The Da Cau Cuop Phet Festival, or “Ball Kicking and Robbing Festival,” is a joyous and energetic event held annually in Ban Gian Commune, Lap Thach District, in the northern province of Vinh Phuc, just 70 kilometers from Hanoi. This year, the festival took place on the 7th day of the Lunar New Year, falling on February 4th, and is believed to bring good luck to the winner of the thrilling and unique game.
With a history spanning centuries, the festival honors Vietnam’s ancient martial arts traditions and military preparedness. Its origins date back to the reign of the Third Hung King (2524 – 2253 BC), a time of internal strife and banditry in the country, including the Lap Thach area.
As the king sent four generals to govern the region and train soldiers for potential foreign invasions, they devised this distinctive game. The “Ball,” known as Qua Phet, is a large wooden ball greased and rolled out into an open field, where soldiers would engage in a spirited fight to seize control of it. Successful captors who placed the ball in the designated spot received grand rewards.
To commemorate the legacy of these legendary generals, the people of Lap Thach constructed five communal houses to safeguard the sacred balls and carry on the lively game. The festival is considered a bringer of good fortune, especially for the lucky villager who manages to catch the ball, as it is believed to bestow blessings upon them and bring prosperity to the entire community for the year ahead.
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The festival is a vibrant celebration divided into two main parts: solemn ceremonies and energetic festivities. Photos: Ngoc Tu – Duy Khanh/The Hanoi Times |
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The ceremony includes the traditional offering of incense and processions to the village communal houses, paying respect to the generals’ legacy. |
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The ball robbery game is the festival’s main attraction, drawing hundreds of young men from the four villages. It is a test of strength, agility, and strategy. |
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A close-up of the wooden ball, “Qua Phet,” the center of attention during the game. |
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The procession of the saint’s palanquin, with a mannequin dressed as a mandarin, adds a festive and cultural touch to the event. |
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The crowd cheers on the competitors, eagerly anticipating the moment when someone successfully captures the wooden ball and brings good luck to their village. |
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Touching the ball is considered a blessing, bringing good fortune to the individual and their community for the entire year. |
The Da Cau Cuop Phet Festival is more than just a game; it is a rare opportunity to immerse oneself in Vietnam’s cultural history and experience the community’s spirit and excitement. It is a tradition passed down for generations, bringing people together in a celebration of their ancient heritage and a shared desire for good luck and prosperity.
