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. They crafted a large wooden ball, named Qua Phet, which was greased and rolled out into an open field for soldiers to fight over and attempt to seize. Successful captors of the ball, who managed to place it in a designated spot, received grand rewards.
As a tribute to these legendary generals, the people of Lap Thach constructed five communal houses, which serve as repositories for the sacred balls and venues for the spirited game. The festival is considered a bringer of good fortune, especially for the lucky villager who manages to capture the ball, as it is believed to bestow blessings not only on the individual but on the entire community for the coming year.
 Photos: Ngoc Tu – Duy Khanh/The Hanoi Times |
| The festival is a joyous event comprising two main parts: the solemn ceremony and the energetic festival itself. |
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The ceremony includes the traditional offering of incense and processions to the village communal houses, honoring the legacy of the generals. |
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The highlight of the festival is the ball robbery game, which attracts hundreds of 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 exciting game. |
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The procession of the saint’s palanquin, with a mannequin dressed as a mandarin, adds a festive and cultural touch to the event. |
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The crowd cheers on the competitors, with anticipation building as they await the moment when someone successfully captures the elusive wooden ball. |
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According to tradition, whoever touches the ball during the festival is believed to be blessed with good luck for the entire year. |
The Da Cau Cuop Phet Festival is more than just a celebration; it is a rare opportunity to immerse oneself in Vietnam’s cultural history, community spirit, and the excitement of a unique tradition that has been passed down for generations.
