The Da Cau Cuop Phet Festival, or “Ball Kicking and Robbing Festival,” is a vibrant and energetic celebration 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 its thrilling signature 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.
In response to the turmoil, the king dispatched four generals to restore order in the region. To train their soldiers for potential foreign invasions, the generals invented a unique and exciting game. A large wooden ball, named Qua Phet, was crafted, greased, and rolled out into an open field, where soldiers would eagerly scramble to seize it. Those who successfully captured the ball and returned it to the designated spot were bestowed with abundant rewards.
As a tribute to the four legendary generals, the people of Lap Thach constructed five communal houses, which serve as both a sacred repository for the balls and a lively venue for the game. The festival is deeply rooted in the community’s belief that the lucky villager who manages to capture the ball will be blessed with good fortune, bringing prosperity to the entire community for the year ahead.
 Photos: Ngoc Tu – Duy Khanh/The Hanoi Times |
| The festival is a vibrant celebration divided into two main parts: the solemn ceremony and the energetic festival itself. |
 |
The ceremony includes the traditional offering of incense and processions to the village communal houses, honoring the legacy of the generals. |
 |
The highlight of the festival is the exhilarating ball robbery game, attracting hundreds of young men from the four villages, eager to showcase their strength and agility. |
 |
A close-up view of the wooden ball, the centerpiece of the game, greased and ready for the eager participants. |
.jpeg) |
The procession of the saint’s palanquin, adorned with a mannequin dressed as a mandarin, adds a touch of cultural elegance and festivity to the event. |
 |
The crowd gathers eagerly, cheering on the competitors and awaiting the moment when one of them successfully captures the elusive wooden ball. |
 |
According to local beliefs, whoever touches the ball during the game is blessed with good luck and fortune 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 the cultural history and community spirit of Lap Thach, experiencing a unique tradition that has been passed down for generations. |
