Phat Tich Pagoda Festival
February 17
Phat Tich Pagoda Festival
Phat Tich Commune, Que Vo District, northern province of Bac Ninh
This festival honours the merits of King Ly Thanh Tong (1023-72). It is also an opportunity for pilgrims to have an offering ceremony, worship Kwan Yin Bodhisattva, listen to prayers, pray for peace and happiness and sightsee around the landscapes of the northern region.
February 18
Dong Da Mound Festival
Dong Da Mound, Dong Da District, Ha Noi
This is a carnival of victory. It is organised to commemorate the glorious feats of arms in the fight against foreign invaders, led by King Quang Trung (1753-92).
February 19 – April 28
Huong Pagoda Festival
Huong Son Commune, My Duc District, 60km west from the centre of Ha Noi
Tourists can visit pagodas on mountains and worship Buddha as well as enjoy the beautiful scenery of the mountains.
February 19-25
Giong Temple Festival
Soc Temple, Soc Son Commune, Soc Son District, Ha Noi
This festival commemorates legendary Saint Giong, who defeated foreign enemies and defended the country, then flew to the heavens, according to legend story.
February 19-25
Co Loa Temple, Dong Anh District
This festival is held to commemorate the day King An Duong Vuong dedicated the citadel he built in a spiral form.
An Duong Vuong was the king of Au Lac (the ancient name of Viet Nam) from 258 to 208 BC.
There are genie processions and folk games like card playing and performances on swings.
February 22-24
Phu Gia Temple Festival
Phu Gia Village, Tay Ho District, Ha Noi
The village worships Tran Khai Nguyen, a general under King Hung VI, who successfully fought off northern invaders.
The general was believed to teach local people how to prevent floods.
February 23
Sinh Village Wrestling Festival
Sinh or Lai An Village, Phu Mau Commune, Phu Vang District, central province of Thua Thien – Hue
This traditional festival has been around for nearly 500 years.
February 24 – March 10
Phu Ung Festival
Phu Ung Commune, An Thi District, northern province of Hung Yen
The festival commemorates general Pham Ngu Lao, a famed figure under the Tran dynasty (1225-1400).
There are many games involved, such as chess playing, wrestling and cheo (traditional opera) singing.
February 27
Tho Tang Festival
Tho Tang Commune, Vinh Tuong District, northern province of Vinh Phuc
Locals worship three genies: Nuoi Na, the genie of the Earth, Lan Ho Hau or Phung Loc Ho, who contributed greatly to the fight against northern invaders in the 13th century, and Phung Thi Dung, who supposedly helped locals instil stability in their lives.
The festival has many competitions, including pig and watermelon farming.
March 3-8
Con Son Festival
Cong Hoa and Le Loi communes, Chi Linh District, northern province of Hai Duong
The festival will be held to commemorate Huyen Quang (?-1334).
Apart from an official opening ceremony, there is also a water and wooden statue procession. – VNS