The Da Cau Cuop Phet Festival, or “Ball Kicking and Robbing Festival,” is a lively and joyous 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 exciting and energetic games.
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 govern the region and maintain order. To train their soldiers and prepare for potential foreign invasions, the generals invented a unique and thrilling game. A large wooden ball, named Qua Phet, was crafted, greased, and rolled out into an open field, where soldiers would eagerly fight to seize possession of it. Those brave and skillful enough to capture the ball and return it to the designated spot received grand rewards and accolades.
The people of Lap Thach hold the legacy of these legendary generals in the highest regard. To honor their memory, five communal houses were constructed, serving as repositories for the sacred balls and venues for the spirited games. According to local beliefs, the fortunate villager who manages to capture the ball will be blessed with good fortune, and their luck will extend to bring prosperity to the entire community for the coming year.
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The festival is a vibrant celebration divided into two main parts: solemn ceremonies and energetic festival activities. Photos: Ngoc Tu – Duy Khanh/The Hanoi Times
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The ceremony includes the offering of incense and respectful processions to the village communal houses, honoring the traditions and legacy of the generals.
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The highlight of the festival is the thrilling ball robbery game, which attracts hundreds of energetic young men from the four villages, all eager to showcase their strength and skill.
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A close-up of the wooden ball, Qua Phet, the center of attention and the object of the festival’s games.
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The procession of the saint’s palanquin, with a mannequin dressed as a mandarin, adds a touch of cultural elegance and tradition to the festivities.
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The crowd cheers enthusiastically, their eyes fixed on the competitors, as they eagerly await the moment when a skilled participant successfully captures the elusive wooden ball.
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According to local beliefs, whoever touches the ball during the festival is blessed with good luck and fortune for the entire year, making it a highly anticipated event for all participants.
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The Da Cau Cuop Phet Festival is more than just a celebration; it is a rare opportunity to immerse oneself in Vietnam’s rich cultural history and experience the community’s spirit and enthusiasm for a unique tradition passed down through generations.
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