The Da Cau Cuop Phet Festival, or “Ball Kicking and Robbing Festival,” is a vibrant 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 a response to the turmoil, the king dispatched four generals to restore order in the region. These generals, in preparation for potential foreign invasions, devised a one-of-a-kind game to train their soldiers. A large wooden ball, named Qua Phet, was crafted, greased, and then rolled out into an open field, where soldiers would engage in a spirited contest to seize possession of it. Those who successfully captured the ball and returned it to the designated spot were bestowed with generous rewards.
The people of Lap Thach, to pay homage to these legendary generals, constructed five communal houses, which serve as repositories for the sacred balls and venues for the lively game. It is widely believed that the fortunate villager who manages to capture the ball will be blessed with good fortune, bringing prosperity to the entire community for the ensuing year.
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The festival is a joyous celebration comprising two main parts: solemn ceremonies and energetic festivities. Photos: Ngoc Tu – Duy Khanh/The Hanoi Times
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The ceremony involves the traditional offering of incense and processions to the village communal houses, paying respect to the legacy of the generals.
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The highlight of the festival is the ball robbery game, which attracts hundreds of enthusiastic young men from the four villages, eager to showcase their strength and agility.
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A close-up of the wooden ball, the centerpiece of the game, greased and ready for the eager participants.
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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.
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The crowd gathers eagerly, cheering on the competitors and awaiting the moment when a lucky participant successfully captures the elusive wooden ball.
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Touching the ball is considered a blessing, bringing good luck and fortune to the individual for the entire year.
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The Da Cau Cuop Phet Festival presents a rare and exciting opportunity to immerse oneself in Vietnam’s cultural history, community spirit, and the thrill of a time-honored tradition passed down through generations.
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