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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 possession of it. Successful captors of the ball, who managed to place it in a designated spot, were bestowed with generous rewards.

The people of Lap Thach, to commemorate the legacy of these revered generals, constructed five communal houses. These houses serve as repositories for the sacred balls and venues for the lively game. It is believed that the villager who demonstrates their prowess by capturing the ball will not only be blessed with good fortune but will also bring luck to the entire community for the ensuing year.

Photos: Ngoc Tu – Duy Khanh/The Hanoi Times

The festival is a vibrant celebration comprising 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, paying respect to the legacy of the generals.

The highlight of the festival is the ball robbery game, a thrilling contest that attracts hundreds of young men from the four villages, eager to showcase their skills and bring honor to their community.

A close-up view of the wooden ball, the centerpiece of the game, greased and ready for the eager participants.

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.

It is believed that whoever touches the ball during the game will be blessed with good luck for the entire year, making it a highly anticipated moment for all participants.

The Da Cau Cuop Phet Festival presents a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in Vietnam’s cultural history and experience the community’s spirit and excitement as they uphold a tradition passed down through generations.