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.
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 unique training game for their soldiers. A large wooden ball, named Qua Phet, was crafted, greased, and rolled out into an open field, where soldiers would engage in a spirited contest to seize control of it. The brave souls who managed to capture the ball and place it in the designated spot received lavish rewards.
The people of Lap Thach, to pay homage to these legendary generals, constructed five communal houses, which serve as both repositories for the sacred balls and venues for the lively game. It is widely believed that the fortunate villager who emerges victorious in capturing the ball will be blessed with good fortune, bringing prosperity to the entire community for the ensuing year.
Photos: Ngoc Tu – Duy Khanh/The Hanoi Times
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The festival is a joyous affair, comprising two main parts: the solemn ceremony and the energetic festival itself.
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The ceremony includes the offering of traditional 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 undoubtedly the ball robbery game, which attracts hundreds of enthusiastic young men from the four villages, eager to test their mettle and bring honor to their community.
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A close-up view of the wooden ball, the centerpiece of the festival’s signature game.
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The procession of the saint’s palanquin, with a mannequin dressed as a mandarin, adds a touch of festivity and cultural significance to the event.
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The crowd gathers eagerly, cheering on the competitors and awaiting the moment when one of them successfully captures the elusive wooden ball.
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According to local beliefs, whoever touches the ball during the game is blessed with good luck for the entire year, making it a highly anticipated event for all participants and spectators alike.
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The Da Cau Cuop Phet Festival is more than just a celebration; it is a living testament to the rich cultural history and community spirit of the region. It offers a rare opportunity to immerse oneself in a unique tradition that has been passed down for generations, providing a glimpse into Vietnam’s ancient past while also celebrating the present.
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