Cô Sáu’s death anniversary is commemorated on Côn Đảo on January 23 each year in the Gregorian calendar, while the ceremony in her hometown of Đất Đỏ follows the 27th day of the twelfth lunar month. Both dates commemorate Võ Thị Sáu, a Hero of the People’s Armed Forces, but they use different calendars and are observed in different places.
This difference can be confusing when looking for information about Võ Thị Sáu’s death anniversary. Some articles give January 23, others mention the 27th day of the twelfth lunar month, while the ceremony announced in Đất Đỏ falls on a different Gregorian date each year.
In fact, both dates have a historical basis. Võ Thị Sáu died on Côn Đảo on January 23, 1952, corresponding to the 27th day of the twelfth lunar month in the year Tân Mão. Commemorations on Côn Đảo and in her hometown of Đất Đỏ have since followed different calendars.
For visitors planning to pay their respects at Cô Sáu’s grave on Côn Đảo, understanding this distinction matters. Choosing the wrong date could mean arriving outside the commemoration you hoped to attend, although incense offerings can still be made at Hàng Dương Cemetery on other days of the year.
This article explains the origins of the two anniversary dates, the venues, commemorative activities, and preparations for travelling to Côn Đảo by high-speed ferry on this occasion.
When is Cô Sáu’s death anniversary?
Võ Thị Sáu, a Hero of the People’s Armed Forces, died on January 23, 1952 on Côn Đảo.
In the lunar calendar, this date corresponds to the 27th day of the twelfth month in the year Tân Mão.
The two dates refer to the same historical event in two different calendar systems.
On Côn Đảo, official annual commemorations generally use January 23 in the Gregorian calendar as their reference date.
In her hometown of Đất Đỏ, the ceremony instead follows the 27th day of the twelfth lunar month.
The distinction can be summarised as follows:
| Item | Côn Đảo | Đất Đỏ |
|---|---|---|
| Commemoration date | January 23 | 27th day of the twelfth lunar month |
| Calendar | Gregorian | Lunar |
| Main venues | Hàng Dương Cemetery and Côn Đảo Memorial Temple | Võ Thị Sáu Memorial House and monument grounds in Đất Đỏ |
| Meaning | Commemorating the day Võ Thị Sáu died on Côn Đảo | Remembering the heroine in her hometown according to the lunar date |
| Date in 2026 | January 23, 2026 | February 14, 2026 |
Remember that January 23 on Côn Đảo is a Gregorian date, not the 23rd day of the first lunar month.
Likewise, the 27th day of the twelfth lunar month falls in the last month of the lunar year; it does not mean December 27 in the Gregorian calendar.
Why are there two dates for Võ Thị Sáu’s death anniversary?
The difference stems from the date of Võ Thị Sáu’s death and the commemorative customs of the two localities.
On January 23, 1952, Võ Thị Sáu was executed by the French colonial authorities on Côn Đảo. This is the historically recorded date of her death and the reference date for the anniversary ceremony at her resting place.
The 27th day of the twelfth lunar month in the year Tân Mão is the lunar-calendar equivalent of that date.
In her hometown of Đất Đỏ, commemorations follow the 27th day of the twelfth lunar month.
As a result, the two localities may hold their ceremonies at different times within the same Gregorian year.
This does not mean that either locality has recorded the historical date incorrectly. The difference lies in which calendar they use to organise the commemoration.
Visitors should distinguish between the historical date of her death, the date on which the ceremony is held, and the Gregorian equivalent of a lunar date in a particular year.
These three pieces of information are related, but they cannot always be used interchangeably.
Cô Sáu’s death anniversary on Côn Đảo: January 23 in the Gregorian calendar
On Côn Đảo, the ceremony commemorating the death anniversary of the heroine Võ Thị Sáu is an important annual remembrance event.
January 23 was chosen because she died on Côn Đảo on that date in 1952.
Participants include representatives of local government, agencies, organisations and the armed forces, former political prisoners, relatives, and many residents and visitors.
Commemorative activities are usually associated with Hàng Dương Cemetery, her resting place, and Côn Đảo Memorial Temple, a shared place of remembrance for fallen heroes, revolutionary fighters and patriotic citizens.
The 74th anniversary ceremony on Côn Đảo in 2026
According to the Côn Đảo tourism information portal, the 74th death anniversary of Võ Thị Sáu, a Hero of the People’s Armed Forces, was commemorated over January 22 and 23, 2026.
The main ceremony took place on Friday, January 23, 2026, corresponding to the fifth day of the twelfth lunar month in the year Ất Tỵ.
According to the published plan, the January 23 programme included two main activities:
- 9:00 a.m.: A visit to Võ Thị Sáu’s grave in Section B of Hàng Dương Cemetery.
- 9:30 a.m.: The official anniversary ceremony in the ceremonial courtyard of Côn Đảo Memorial Temple.
At the cemetery, delegates offered flowers and incense in memory of the heroine.
The programme then continued at Côn Đảo Memorial Temple with commemorative rites, bell ringing and incense offerings.
These activities are documented in the report on the 74th anniversary ceremony on Côn Đảo.
Please note that this programme took place in 2026 and is used here as an example to explain the scheduling. Starting times, the venue for each rite and attendance arrangements in later years must be checked against new announcements from the organisers.
Why is the Đất Đỏ ceremony held on the 27th day of the twelfth lunar month?
Đất Đỏ is Võ Thị Sáu’s hometown, associated with her childhood and early involvement in revolutionary activities.
It is home to the Võ Thị Sáu Memorial House, a monument park, and facilities for commemorative activities and historical education.
Unlike Côn Đảo, where the ceremony follows January 23 in the Gregorian calendar, Đất Đỏ’s anniversary observances follow the 27th day of the twelfth lunar month.
This is also the lunar-calendar equivalent of January 23, 1952, the date of her death.
Võ Thị Sáu’s death anniversary ceremony in Đất Đỏ in 2026
On February 14, 2026, corresponding to the 27th day of the twelfth lunar month in the year Ất Tỵ, the authorities and residents of Đất Đỏ Commune, Ho Chi Minh City, held the 74th death anniversary ceremony for the fallen heroine Võ Thị Sáu.
The ceremony took place at the Võ Thị Sáu Memorial House complex, with flower and incense offerings and commemorative activities.
According to the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee’s news website, many delegates, officials, service members and residents attended to remember the heroine’s life and sacrifice.
Readers can consult the report on Võ Thị Sáu’s 2026 anniversary ceremony in Đất Đỏ.
Thus, in the same year, 2026, the Côn Đảo commemoration took place on January 23, while the Đất Đỏ ceremony was held on February 14.
The two Gregorian dates are different, but both remember the same historical figure.
Is the Đất Đỏ ceremony held on February 14 every year?
No.
February 14 is only the Gregorian equivalent of the 27th day of the twelfth lunar month in the year Ất Tỵ, which was the date of the 2026 ceremony.
Because lunar dates do not have fixed Gregorian equivalents, the 27th day of the twelfth lunar month falls on different Gregorian dates in other years.
Visitors planning to attend the Đất Đỏ ceremony in subsequent years should look up that year’s Gregorian equivalent and check the local authorities’ official announcement.
February 14, 2026 should not be treated as a fixed annual date for future ceremonies.
Where is Cô Sáu’s death anniversary ceremony held on Côn Đảo?
A fairly common misconception is that all anniversary activities take place directly in front of Võ Thị Sáu’s grave.
In practice, the Côn Đảo commemorative programme may take place in several locations, depending on the plan for each year.
For the 74th anniversary in 2026, the two main venues were Hàng Dương Cemetery and Côn Đảo Memorial Temple.
Hàng Dương Cemetery: Võ Thị Sáu’s resting place
Hàng Dương Cemetery is the resting place of generations of revolutionary fighters and patriots who died on Côn Đảo.
The grave of the heroine Võ Thị Sáu is in Section B of the cemetery.
Many people visit to offer incense and remember her throughout the year, especially on her death anniversary and other important commemorative occasions.
During the official anniversary ceremony, delegations generally offer flowers and incense at the grave in accordance with the published programme.
Individual visitors must observe the opening hours, designated paths and rules set by the management.
Learn more in the article Hàng Dương Cemetery on Côn Đảo.
Côn Đảo Memorial Temple: A venue for commemorative ceremonies
Côn Đảo Memorial Temple stands beside Hàng Dương Cemetery on Nguyễn An Ninh Street.
It was built to honour earlier generations, fallen heroes, revolutionary fighters and patriotic citizens who died on Côn Đảo.
The complex includes several traditional architectural elements, including a pavilion housing the great bell, a front hall, an inner sanctuary and a ceremonial courtyard.
Under the 2026 programme, Võ Thị Sáu’s official anniversary ceremony was held in the temple’s ceremonial courtyard after the graveside visit.
Visitors wishing to attend should read the programme for the year of their visit carefully to confirm the venues, starting times and areas open to attendees.
See the article Côn Đảo Memorial Temple for more information about the building’s architecture and significance.
Should you visit Côn Đảo on Cô Sáu’s death anniversary?
Whether to visit on the anniversary itself or at another time depends on the purpose of your trip.
If you want to take part in the communal commemoration organised locally, January 23 in the Gregorian calendar is the date to watch.
In years with an official programme, visitors may experience the commemorative atmosphere, delegations offering incense and solemn traditional rites.
However, the anniversary can also attract large numbers of people, increasing demand for transport, accommodation and services on the island.
Those who simply wish to pay their respects at Cô Sáu’s grave do not have to visit on the anniversary itself.
Hàng Dương Cemetery accommodates commemorative visits during various opening periods, including weekends and holidays, unless changes are announced.
Visitors can choose a convenient day, avoid particularly busy times, or prioritise an itinerary suited to the health of everyone in their group.
What matters is understanding the significance of the memorial site, behaving respectfully and following the rules.
Visiting hours at Cô Sáu’s grave in Hàng Dương Cemetery
According to the Hàng Dương Cemetery portal, the published opening hours are:
| Period | Opening hours |
|---|---|
| Morning | 7:00–11:30 |
| Afternoon and evening | 13:00–24:00 |
The published schedule applies from Monday to Sunday, including public holidays and Tết.
However, access to some areas may be adjusted during official anniversary ceremonies or events attended by large delegations.
Visitors should check the guidance before arriving.
There is no rule requiring visitors to pay their respects to Võ Thị Sáu at exactly midnight. Some people choose this time as a personal custom, but it is not a condition for making an incense offering.
For families with young children or older people, daytime or early evening visits are often more convenient.
Travelling to Côn Đảo by high-speed ferry for Cô Sáu’s death anniversary
If you plan to visit Côn Đảo on January 23, prepare your trip early and pay particular attention to ferry schedules.
Unlike road travel, ferry services to Côn Đảo depend heavily on weather, maritime safety conditions and each operator’s schedule.
Confirm the ceremony programme before booking a ferry
First, decide which part of the ceremony you want to attend.
If the anniversary programme takes place in the morning, a ferry arriving on Côn Đảo that same morning may not leave enough time.
Passengers still need to disembark, collect their luggage, travel from the port to the centre and reach the venue.
If attending the official ceremony is the main purpose of your trip, consider arriving on Côn Đảo the day before.
This reduces the risk of missing the programme if the ferry arrives late or transfers take longer than expected.
Check ferry services in both directions
Côn Đảo has sea passenger routes connecting it with Trần Đề, Vũng Tàu and Saigon, depending on which services are operating at the time.
However, not every route runs daily.
At certain times, a route may operate only on specified dates, or departure times may change because of operational conditions.
You should therefore check both the outbound and return journeys.
Visitors can consult the Côn Đảo Express ferry schedule to choose a route and departure date and check service information.
Do not book a hotel immediately after checking only the outbound departure time. Make sure you have a suitable return plan before paying for services that are difficult to cancel or refund.
Do not rely on last year’s ferry schedule
When searching for ferry schedules around Cô Sáu’s death anniversary, older articles may show departure times from previous years.
Treat these as background information only.
The actual schedule must be checked for the precise date, operator, vessel, departure port, arrival port and service status.
A route having operated in the past does not guarantee that tickets are still on sale or that a sailing runs on your preferred date.
Choose accommodation convenient for Hàng Dương Cemetery
If you are staying on Côn Đảo for only one or two nights, prioritise hotels in central Côn Sơn.
This makes it easier to reach Hàng Dương Cemetery and Côn Đảo Memorial Temple.
Groups travelling with older people should ask in advance about lower-floor rooms, lifts, transfers and check-in times.
Also check the hotel’s change and cancellation policy in case the ferry cannot depart because of the weather.
Allow extra time for rough seas
Ferry services to Côn Đảo may be rescheduled or suspended when weather conditions are unsafe.
If you must attend an anniversary ceremony at a fixed time, avoid a tightly timed itinerary.
If you have important work commitments immediately after the trip, consider allowing extra time for the journey back to the mainland.
Visitors can also consult Planning a Round Trip to Côn Đảo to check how ferries, ground transport and accommodation fit together.
How should you prepare offerings for Cô Sáu?
During the anniversary, Hàng Dương Cemetery and Côn Đảo Memorial Temple may receive many delegations, residents and visitors.
Offerings should therefore be simple, compact and consistent with management guidance.
Fresh flowers, fruit and offerings made from natural materials are suitable choices.
There is no need to prepare elaborate trays of offerings or buy many expensive items.
Côn Đảo has notably introduced the Green Offering Basket programme, which encourages respectful commemorative practices and reduces environmental impact.
Under the published rules at Hàng Dương Cemetery, visitors may not burn votive paper or use plastic bags and single-use plastic products within the cemetery.
If travelling as a group, agree in advance on the number of wreaths and offering baskets and who will be responsible for them, to avoid duplication.
During the official programme, do not assume that personal offerings may be placed anywhere. Follow the instructions of the organisers and event staff.
Do you need to register in advance to attend Cô Sáu’s anniversary ceremony?
This depends on the type of programme you want to join.
If you are simply visiting Hàng Dương Cemetery to offer incense during normal visiting hours, follow the cemetery’s visitor rules.
If you want to attend an official rite involving delegations, designated areas or a planned programme, check the organisers’ announcement.
For delegations from agencies or organisations wishing to hold a separate incense-offering ceremony, the Côn Đảo National Heritage Conservation Centre advises contacting it during office hours to register at least one working session in advance.
Do not use personal phone numbers, registration deadlines or form links from anniversary announcements that are no longer valid.
Visitor guidance, opening hours and registration information for commemorative visits are available on the Hàng Dương Cemetery portal.
Can you visit Cô Sáu’s grave on a different day?
Yes.
Visitors can pay their respects at the grave of the heroine Võ Thị Sáu in Hàng Dương Cemetery on other days of the year, subject to current opening hours and rules.
The death anniversary is an occasion for local authorities, delegations and the public to commemorate her together.
Individual graveside visits can instead take place at a time that suits your itinerary, health and travel arrangements.
A visit on an ordinary day can also be an opportunity to learn more about Côn Đảo’s history.
There is no basis for saying that only a visit on the anniversary demonstrates sincerity or carries greater meaning than a visit at another time.
What matters most is respect for the deceased and care for the memorial space.
Frequently asked questions about Cô Sáu’s death anniversary
What is the Gregorian date of Cô Sáu’s death anniversary?
On Côn Đảo, January 23 in the Gregorian calendar is the reference date for the annual ceremony commemorating Võ Thị Sáu’s death.
What is the lunar date of Cô Sáu’s death anniversary?
Her death on January 23, 1952 corresponded to the 27th day of the twelfth lunar month in the year Tân Mão. In her hometown of Đất Đỏ, the ceremony follows the 27th day of the twelfth lunar month.
Is Cô Sáu’s death anniversary on the 23rd day of the first lunar month?
No. January 23 in information about the Côn Đảo ceremony is a Gregorian date. It must not be confused with the 23rd day of the first lunar month.
Why did Côn Đảo hold its ceremony on January 23 in 2026, while Đất Đỏ held it on February 14?
Côn Đảo follows January 23 in the Gregorian calendar, while Đất Đỏ follows the 27th day of the twelfth lunar month. In 2026, the 27th day of the twelfth lunar month in the year Ất Tỵ corresponded to February 14, 2026.
Does the 27th day of the twelfth lunar month mean December 27?
No. Tháng Chạp is the twelfth month of the lunar calendar. Its 27th day must be converted to a Gregorian date separately for each year.
When will Cô Sáu’s anniversary ceremony take place on Côn Đảo in 2027?
The annual commemoration date on Côn Đảo is January 23 in the Gregorian calendar. However, the detailed 2027 programme, including the opening time, the location of each activity and visitor guidance, must be checked against the local authorities’ official announcement.
Is the Côn Đảo anniversary ceremony held directly at Cô Sáu’s grave?
Flowers and incense are offered at the grave in Section B of Hàng Dương Cemetery. The official ceremony may also take place at Côn Đảo Memorial Temple, as it did in the 2026 programme.
Is the Võ Thị Sáu Memorial House on Côn Đảo?
The memorial house mentioned in the hometown ceremony is in Đất Đỏ Commune, Ho Chi Minh City, on the mainland. It is not her grave at Hàng Dương Cemetery on Côn Đảo.
Do you have to visit Côn Đảo on January 23 to pay your respects to Cô Sáu?
No. Visitors may come on other days of the year, following Hàng Dương Cemetery’s opening hours and rules.
Should you book a high-speed ferry arriving on Côn Đảo on the morning of January 23?
If your aim is to attend the official morning ceremony, consider arriving the previous day. A ferry arriving on the morning of the ceremony may not leave enough time to transfer to the venue and attend on time.
Cô Sáu’s death anniversary: Choose the right place and understand the date
Võ Thị Sáu’s death anniversary gives successive generations an opportunity to remember a woman fighter who died at a very young age, and to learn more about Vietnam’s history of struggle.
On Côn Đảo, January 23 in the Gregorian calendar is associated with the place where she died and rests. In her hometown of Đất Đỏ, the 27th day of the twelfth lunar month is used for the anniversary ceremony.
Two places and two calendars share the same purpose of remembrance.
For visitors wishing to attend the Côn Đảo ceremony, it is important not only to remember January 23 but also to check the programme for the actual year they intend to visit.
The times of graveside visits, activities at Côn Đảo Memorial Temple, ferry schedules and accommodation arrangements should all be confirmed before making plans.
If you cannot come for the anniversary, you can still choose a convenient time to visit Cô Sáu’s grave at Hàng Dương Cemetery.
The meaning of a commemorative visit does not depend on being there at one particular hour or on one particular day. What deserves appreciation is an understanding of history, a respectful attitude and a sense of responsibility for preserving places that hold the memories of generations.
Check ferry schedules to Côn Đảo for Võ Thị Sáu’s death anniversary
Anyone planning to travel to Côn Đảo by high-speed ferry should check both the outbound and return journeys before booking accommodation, transfers and other services.
Con Dao Express provides information about ferry routes to Côn Đảo, daily schedules, indicative fares and journey preparation.
You can visit the Côn Đảo Express ferry schedule to find a suitable sailing, while also checking the local authorities’ official announcement about the ceremony in the year you plan to attend.
A provisional ferry schedule does not mean a sailing is confirmed or that seats are available. Visitors should check service status, the departure port and the arrival port before travelling.
References
- Côn Đảo tourism information portal: The 74th death anniversary ceremony for the heroine Võ Thị Sáu on January 23, 2026.
- Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee news website: Võ Thị Sáu’s death anniversary ceremony in Đất Đỏ on February 14, 2026.
- Nhân Dân newspaper: The death anniversary ceremony for the fallen heroine Võ Thị Sáu.
- Hàng Dương Cemetery information portal: Opening hours, rules and visitor guidance.