5 traditional folk festival in Northern Vietnam

One of the best ways to make sure that your trip to northern Vietnam is an unforgettable one is to plan it around the time of the festivals celebrated in the country. Inspired by the Chinese Lunar calendar, most of the cultural events and festivals in northern Vietnam are celebrated during specific times of the year.

These festivals will not only let you witness and absorb the culture of the country but also give you a soul-touching experience.

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. It 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.

Lim Festival

Lim Festival in Bac Ninh 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 Singing, 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.

Perfume Pagoda Festival

Perfume Pagoda Festival draws throngs of local pilgrims from all over Vietnam to Ha Noi’s iconic Perfume Pagoda, where they to pray for a prosperous year and pay their respects to Buddha. The pilgrimage starts with a dragon dance at Den Trinh Pagoda on the 15th day of the 1st Lunar, where pilgrims and even travelers travel by boat along the Yen River to the base of Huong Mountain, passing by limestone caves and rice fields. The journey continues on foot by climbing hundreds of stone steps towards Huong Tich Cave, offering a colourful display of food offerings, statues of deities, lit incenses, and praying locals.

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.

Giong Temple Festival

This large festival is held on the 9th day of the 4th month of the lunar calendar. The date commemorates Saint Giong who defeated the An invaders. In order to show their gratitude to the hero of Giong Village who sacrificed his life to fight invaders, the people proclaimed him Saint Giong.

Preparation for the festival occurs from the 1st day of the 3rd lunar month to the 5th day of the 4th lunar month. The procession starts from the Mother Temple to Thuong Temple with the performance of a religious service. After reaching the temple, a feast for the troops occurs. When night falls, a Cheo play is performed (a classical Vietnamese opera). This festival blends together the traditions of love for the motherland and the preservation of the cultural heritage.

Xoan Festival

Xoan Festival is organized in Huong Nha village, Tam Thanh District, Phu Tho province from the 7th to the 10th of the first lunar month. The festival aims to celebrate Xuan Nuong, a talented woman general of Hai Ba Trung and praise the work of Hung Kings.

During the festival days, many performances will be held to serve travelers. The festival also holds the Xoan singing contest, a cultural and artistic character of the land group.

Read more: What do you know about Hoi An Lantern Festival?

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Take a look at Vietnam's traditional festivals

Festivals in Vietnam offer visitors the best opportunity for getting up close and personal with the myths, customs and fun-loving spirit of this proud nation.

1. Tet Nguyen Dan (January/ February)

Tet Nguyen Dan marks the beginning of the Lunar New Year in the Vietnamese calendar and is certainly one of the most revered festivals in the country. This holiday is an occasion for the entire family to get together and indulge in rituals such as lighting fireworks, visiting temples, giving out flowers. 

2. Lim Festival (Mid February)

Take a dip into the folk culture of Vietnam during the Lim festival, which is another prominent festival celebrated at the beginning of the year. Quan Ho, which is a UNESCO recognised tribe, perform their exquisite dances and a number of games are played in celebration of this festival. Traditional costumes and dragon boats are a common sight. Danh du (bamboo swings), tug-of-war, wrestling, cockfighting, human chess, and blind man's bluff are some of the games that are played during this time and is an interesting way to interact with the locals. 

3. Perfume Festival

Perfume Pagoda in Hanoi is the centre of the Vietnamese Perfume Festival which is celebrated the from the 6th day of the 1st lunar month until the end of the 3rd lunar month. Pilgrims from all over the country visit this shrine, and the pilgrimage begins with a dragon dance at Den Trinh Pagoda. The pilgrims then continue the journey on a boat along the Yen River up to the base of the Huong Mountain. 

4. Hung King Temple Festival (Early April)

Hung King Temple Festival is celebrated in the honour of Kinh Duong Vuong, who was the first king of Vietnam in 2879BC. A hundred lanterns adorn the night sky as a commemoration of this mighty king's contribution, while elaborate worship rituals are held in the Hung Temple. 

5. Hue Festival (April/May/June, every two years)

As a dedication to the colourful and illustrious legacy of the Nguyen Dynasty, Hue Festival is celebrated in the UNESCO-listed Hue City. This celebration is a unique display of numerous games, performances and cultural renditions and is a magnificent sight to behold. The formal celebration of this festival began in the year 2000 as a part of preserving the traditions and customs indigenous to Vietnam. 

6. Mid-Autumn Festival (Mid September)

This day is celebrated on the 14th and 15th day of the lunar month, and all age group celebrate it uniquely. Children carry paper lanterns across the town; colourful lion dances embellish the streets and food booths selling sticky rice, mooncakes, fruits, and various sweets adorn the sideways. Altars are set up in each household during the night, and various offerings are made to the full moon.

7. Hoi An Lantern Festival (14th day of every month)

Celebrated on the 14th day of each lunar month, every outlet, house and businesses in the Ancient Town switch off its electrical lighting equipment and lights away a dim candle settled snugly in an ornate lantern. The entire city is lit up with thousands of these paper lights. The soft amber hue of the flame within shines against the Kohl of the night and turns this town into a magical place. 

See more: What do you know about Hoi An Lantern Festival?

Source: holidify