The Cultural Beauty of Village Festivals in the Ancestral Land

To the people of the Ancestral Land, Spring is the season of festivals. Traditional village festivals serve as a vital bond, connecting residents within hamlets and communes while strengthening their sense of community and responsibility. Despite the shifts of history, these cultural beauties—especially traditional festivals—are meticulously preserved and promoted as “treasures” amidst the hustle of modern life.

The “Ong Khiu - Ba Khiu” Procession Festival in Hy Cuong Commune.

In today’s fast-paced world, village festivals maintain their solemn, purely Vietnamese rituals and cultural activities steeped in traditional identity. These events are often organized in a joyful yet cozy atmosphere, reflecting deep neighborly bonds from the preparation stages until the final farewell.

Attending a village festival allows one to fully appreciate its profound meaning and national pride. A typical festival consists of two parts: the Ceremonial Rites and the Festival Activities, usually centered at the communal house. While the Ceremonial Rites section expresses admiration and honors heroes, celebrities, and those who contributed to the nation and its people, the Festival Activities section is an occasion for community-bonding cultural activities such as folk singing, traditional performances, martial arts competitions, and customary folk games.

This year, Hy Cuong Commune successfully revived the “Ong Khiu - Ba Khiu” Procession Festival on the 11th and 12th days of the first lunar month (Year of the Horse), following a 19-year hiatus. Originating from the ancient Gia Ninh village, the festival commemorates two legendary deities from the Hung Kings' era: Saint Tan Vien and Quy Minh Dai Vuong.

Hoa Binh Ward organizes the Khai Ha Ceremony at Ngoi Communal House.

As an agricultural fertility ritual, the festival embodies the community’s prayers for bountiful harvests and prosperity. Ms. Nguyen Thu Hien, Chairwoman of the Commune People’s Committee and Head of the Festival Organizing Committee, stated: "The restoration process was carried out carefully and scientifically, ensuring it aligns with current regulations and local realities. It stands as a testament to the enduring vitality of traditional culture passed down through generations."

Another long-standing spiritual activity is the Khai Ha Ceremony at Ngoi Communal House in Hoa Binh Ward. This ceremony honors the Village Guardian Gods and ancestors who protected the homeland. The festival is held with solemn rituals, including the “Water Spirit” and “Rice Spirit” (Vía processions, alongside incense and wine offerings.

Beyond the sacred rites, the festival features vibrant sports and cultural activities such as volleyball, traditional stick pushing, tug-of-war, crossbow shooting, and folk games like human chess, swinging, and Nem Con. Local culinary displays also add to the festive atmosphere, fostering joy and solidarity among the people.

Every Spring, nearly every Vietnamese village opens its heart to a festival. These long-standing cultural activities not only preserve historical and cultural values but also serve as a profound educational platform for the younger generation. Furthermore, they provide a golden opportunity to promote the local spiritual beauty to tourists from all directions.

Thu Ha