Viet ethnic group has existed in North Viet Nam for thousands of years. This place still keeps many valuable intangible cultural heritage of which there are many traditional folk festivals. Below, we will introduce some of the most famous festivals.
1.Lim Festival in Bac Ninh:
Lim Festival in BacNinh happens annually on January around 12th-13th on the lunar calendar. The festival occurs in Lim Town, Tien Du District, Bac Ninh Province, Vietnam. It is the festival of Quan Ho Sing, which has been one of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2009. The festival in Bac Ninh aims to express gratitude and respect of the locals to God Nguyen Dinh Dien who had the merit of restoring many temples, pagodas, and festivals including to Lim festival. The festival is also an occasion to remember the origin of Lim Festival as well.
2.Perfume Pagoda Festival:
Perfume Pagoda Festival occurs for 3 months of early year on the lunar calendar, especially from 15 January to 18 February of the lunar calendar. Most of the tourists coming to the pagoda have a common purpose being to offer an incense stick, a praying word to Buddha and fly spirit mixing with nature. Perfume Pagoda (Huong pagoda) is located in Huong Tich Cave, Huong Son Commune, My Duc District, Ha Noi Capital. The pagoda was built in late the twenty-seventh century.
3.Giong Festival:
Giong Festival is a traditional festival celebrated annually in many parts of Ha Noi to respect the mythical hero, Saint Giong who is credited with defending the country against An invaders. However, the festival at Soc Temple and the festival at Phu Dong temple are the most typical. Giong Festival at Soc Temple happens annually at Soc Temple, Phu Linh Commune, Soc Son District, Ha Noi Capital from the sixth day to the eighth day of January on the lunar calendar. Giong Festival at Phu Dong Temple is held annually on the eighth and the ninth of April on the lunar calendar in the village where Saint Giong was born, Phu Dong Commune, Gia Lam District, Ha Noi.
4.Dong Da Hillock Festival:
Dong Da Hillock Festival takes places annually on the 5th day of the Lunar New Year at Dong Da Hillock, Quang Trung Ward, Dong Da District, Ha Noi Capital. The festival aims to respect the great merit of King Quang Trung – the hero in the history opposing aggression of the Vietnamese nation and to memorize the famous battle of Ngoc Hoi-Dong Da.
5.Yen Tu Festival:
Every year Yen Tu Festival happens from the tenth day to the end of March on the lunar calendar in Yen Tu Mountain area of Thuong Yen Cong Commune, Uong Bi City, Bac Ninh Province, Vietnam. Yen Tu was The Buddhism’s center of Dai Viet before (Dai Viet is the name of Viet Nam in Tran Dynasty (1226-1400)). Yen Tu was also placed founding the Zen sect of Truc Lam. Pilgrims and tourists join Yen Tu Festival to separate themselves from the carnal world, come to Buddhist world.
6.Tran Temple Festival:
Tran Temple festival in Nam Dinh annually happens at Tran Temple of Loc Vuong, Nam Dinh City, Nam Dinh Province, North Vietnam from the 15th day to 20th day of August on the lunar calendar to show gratitude to 14 Tran kings and General Tran Hung Dao. According to historical books, The Tran Dynasty ruled in Dai Viet (Vietnam now) from 1225 to 1400. Tran Dynasty consists of 14 Kings of which the first king is Tran Thai Tong and the final king Thieu De. The Tran dynasty defeated three Mongol invasions, the most notable in the decisive Battle of Bach Dang River that the famous General Tran Tran Hung Dao commanded in 1288.
7.Keo Pagoda Festival:
Keo Pagoda is of Duy Nhat Commune, Vu Thu District, Thai Binh Province. Every year the pagoda organizes festivals twice: Spring Festival on the 4th day of the Lunar New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival from the 3th day to 15th day of September on the lunar calendar. The September Festival connects to the history of Zen Master Khong Lo (the 13thof September is the 100th day after his death and the 14th day of September is his birthday). Legend said that, after having achieved enlightenment of Buddhism, he could fly through the air, walk on water and tame snakes and tigers. He used his magic powers to cure dangerous diseases for many people including King Le Thanh Tong (1066-1127).
Above, we have just introduced to you 7 the most famous traditional folk festivals in North Vietnam. If you would like to understand these festivals more, Read each text talking about a festival at this website.
