Memorial ceremony for General Nguyen Huynh Duc, a Nguyen Dynasty hero, with traditional Southern Vietnamese rituals.

The Nguyen Huynh Duc Mausoleum Festival (also known as his Death Anniversary) is a solemn annual commemorative event held at the Nguyen Huynh Duc Mausoleum and Temple in Khanh Hau Ward, Tan An City, Long An province. It honors Duke Nguyen Huynh Duc, an outstanding general and a founding meritorious official of the Nguyen Dynasty. The mausoleum itself is one of the oldest, most intact historical architectures in Long An and was recognized as a National Historical Monument in 1993.

The festival is deeply rooted in the life and historical legacy of Nguyen Huynh Duc, whose real name was Huynh Tuong Duc (or Huynh Cong Duc). Born in 1748 into a family with a three-generation martial arts tradition, he was exceptionally skilled in martial arts and military tactics, which earned him the title of "Tiger General" and a place among the renowned "Five Tiger Generals of Gia Dinh."

His life was closely tied to Lord Nguyen Anh (later Emperor Gia Long). During the turbulent Tay Son period, he demonstrated unwavering loyalty. Even when captured alive by the Tay Son army, he steadfastly refused to surrender, upholding the principle that "a loyal subject does not serve two masters," and eventually found his way back to Lord Nguyen.

The Royal Surname: Because of his immense contributions to the establishment and defense of the country, the Emperor granted him the royal surname "Nguyen," treating him as a member of the royal family. After his passing in 1819, the local people revered him almost as a deity, and the annual death anniversary has been maintained by his family and the community ever since to honor his tremendous contributions.

Activities at the festival

Traditional Commemoration: The Nguyen Huynh family council, local citizens, and government officials gather to organize a solemn traditional death anniversary ceremony to honor the great ancestor and national hero.

Incense Offering & Tribute: Attendees, including locals and visitors, participate in paying respects, bowing, and offering incense at the temple to express their deep gratitude and reverence for the Duke's devotion to the country.

Educational Traditions: The event serves as a meaningful occasion to educate the younger generations about the nation's history, traditional cultural values, and the spirit of unwavering loyalty and patriotism.

Historical Exploration: During the festival, visitors have the opportunity to explore the classical architecture of the mausoleum—built with laterite and traditional mortar—and view precious historical artifacts from the Nguyen Dynasty, including royal edicts, decrees, a short table gifted by the Siamese King, and ancient worship items.