Van Phu Ward Proactively Prepares for the Hung Kings' Commemoration Activities

Amidst the nationwide atmosphere looking toward the Hung Kings' Commemoration - Hung Temple Festival and Ancestral Land Culture-Tourism Week 2026, Van Phu Ward is not only participating actively in provincial events but also taking the lead in organizing unique local cultural activities.

Temple caretakers clean ancient palanquins in preparation for traditional festival activities at Hung Lo Communal House, Van Phu Ward.

A key highlight of this year’s series of events is the Hung Lo Communal House Traditional Festival—a precious cultural heritage being vigorously preserved and promoted within a new development context following the administrative merger. This contributes to affirming Van Phu’s position as a vital tourism connection on the journey back to national roots.

Located in an ancient village over 300 years old, Hung Lo Communal House has long been embedded in the people’s consciousness with customs and practices tied to the Hung Kings Worshiping Belief. The traditional festival here is more than just a cultural activity; it is a bridge connecting the past to the present, deeply reflecting the national tradition of "When drinking water, remember its source."

According to the plan, this year’s festival will take place from April 22 to 26, 2026 (the 6th to the 10th day of the third lunar month), featuring full traditional rituals and exciting festive activities. Visiting the communal house these days, one can see the temple caretakers meticulously cleaning every detail of the ancient palanquins, their eyes shining with pride for the locality’s great festival.

Ms. La Thi Hong Thuy, a cultural officer of Van Phu Ward, shared: "Organizing the annual festival not only meets the spiritual needs of the people but also holds special significance in preserving and promoting traditional cultural values, educating the younger generation on gratitude toward our predecessors. It also creates a solid foundation for sustainable local tourism development."

In harmony with the heritage flow of Hung Lo, the authorities and people of Van Phu are implementing various activities for the Ancestral Land Culture-Tourism Week 2026.

According to Ms. Vu Thi Thu Hang, Vice Chairwoman of the Van Phu Ward People’s Committee, the requirement for this festival season is that the Ceremonial Section must be organized solemnly and with high community spirit, while the Festive Section ensures joy, safety, and thriftiness. The goal is to create a harmonious blend of traditional folklore and modernity. Through these activities, Van Phu Ward aims to affirm its efforts in preserving world intangible cultural heritages: “The Hung Kings Worshiping Belief in Phu Tho” and “Phu Tho Xoan Singing,” while leveraging these values for local tourism and services.

To achieve this, the ward has established a detailed roadmap, from incense offering ceremonies at the Hung Temple Historical Site to simultaneous offerings at local monuments dedicated to legendary generals from the Hung Kings era. Notably, the cultural beauty of the “Tribute Feast” continues to be encouraged among families, creating a warm and solemn commemorative space across residential areas.

Visitors to Van Phu Ward during the Hung Kings' Commemoration can experience Xoan singing in ancient villages.

Beside the rituals, the festive space in Van Phu this year is exceptionally diverse with the program “Van Phu - A Heritage Destination” held at Lai Len Temple and Hung Lo Communal House. This will be a venue for performing precious heritages such as Ancient Village Xoan Singing, Bac Ninh Quan Ho Folk Songs, and the Practice of Mother Goddess Worship.

Simultaneously, the locality is actively preparing human and material resources to participate in provincial competitions, including: the palanquin procession for wards and communes near the Hung Temple area; cultural camps; local product displays; folk games; and especially the 1st Phu Tho Banh Chung and Banh Giay Making Competition.

Communication efforts are being intensified with banners, slogans, and flags decorating key routes such as Hung Vuong, Nguyen Tat Thanh, Truong Chinh, and Phu Dong streets to create an exciting atmosphere. To ensure urban aesthetics, the ward has organized environmental clean-up campaigns, greenery trimming, and urban order enforcement, determined not to let street encroachment or waste accumulation affect the festival’s beauty.

With thorough and comprehensive preparation under the close guidance of the Organizing Committee, Van Phu Ward believes that this year’s activities will be a resounding success, leaving a profound impression of a land rich in tradition, hospitality, and identity.

Huong Lan