Safe and civilized spring festivals

Spring marks the season of festivals across all three regions of the country. In Phu Tho, spring festivals take place from the beginning of the lunar year and continue until the Hung King Temple Festival on the 10th day of the third lunar month. These festivals are a cherished cultural tradition that must be upheld with a commitment to safety and civility, ensuring that their intrinsic values remain intact.

Elders of Vi-Treo village perform the ceremony at Dinh Ca, Hung Son town, Lam Thao district.

With more than 300 festivals linked to historical relics and cultural heritage, Phu Tho is truly a land of festivals. The province is striving to develop Viet Tri into a festival city, reconnecting with the roots of the Vietnamese people. The richness and diversity of Phu Tho’s spring festivals are evident from the very first days of the lunar year. Some notable celebrations include the Au Co Temple Festival (Ha Hoa District), the Tro Tram Festival (Tu Xa Commune, Lam Thao District), the Phet Hien Quan Festival (Tam Nong District), the Tam Giang Temple Festival, the Chu Ha Tomb Festival, the Hung Lo Village Festival (Viet Tri City), the Lang Suong Temple Festival, and the Dao Xa Communal House Festival (Thanh Thuy District). These events are closely associated with the Hung Kings’ era of nation-building.

The Princess Procession Festival in Hung Son Town, Lam Thao District, was officially recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2024.

The Prime Minister issued an official directive emphasizing that religious and cultural activities during the 2025 Spring Festival must adhere to legal regulations and uphold values of civility, safety, health, economy, and national cultural traditions. In response, the People’s Committee of Phu Tho province issued a directive reinforcing state management over festival activities, holding local government leaders accountable for overseeing festival organization, and implementing measures to ensure security, social order, fire prevention, environmental protection, and food safety. The goal is to preserve the solemnity and authenticity of traditional rituals.

While the Hien Quan Phet Festival in Tam Nong District has temporarily suspended the traditional “phet” ball wrestling ritual, crowds still eagerly gathered on January 12 and 13 to honor the legacy of Princess Thieu Hoa.

Ensuring the safety and cultural integrity of spring festivals in Phu Tho is crucial for preserving and promoting traditional values while creating a positive impression on visitors. This contributes to a welcoming tourism environment and supports sustainable tourism development. To ensure that both locals and tourists can participate safely and in line with traditional customs, provincial authorities have intensified inspection and supervision before, during, and after festivals. Their efforts aim to prevent and strictly address violations, particularly the exploitation of religious sites for personal gain, superstitious practices, gambling, and extravagant festivities that lead to unnecessary expenses.

By prioritizing order and solemnity in spiritual and traditional events, Phu Tho is making significant strides in maintaining the safety and dignity of its spring festivals. However, continued efforts are needed to enhance festival organization. Close cooperation between the government, local communities, and tourists will further elevate these festivals as cultural highlights, reinforcing Phu Tho’s reputation as the ancestral land of the Vietnamese people.

Tat Cuong