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 celebrates and 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 created 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 engage in a spirited battle to seize control of it. Those who successfully captured the ball and returned it to the designated spot were bestowed with abundant rewards and honor.
The people of Lap Thach hold this festival dear to their hearts and have constructed five communal houses to honor the legacy of the legendary generals. These sacred spaces are where the cherished balls are carefully kept, and the energetic games are played with fervor. It is believed that the fortunate villager who demonstrates their prowess by capturing the ball will be blessed with immense good fortune, bringing prosperity and luck to their entire community for the coming year.
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The festival is a vibrant celebration comprising two main parts: solemn ceremonies and energetic festival activities. Photos: Ngoc Tu – Duy Khanh/The Hanoi Timesspan> |
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| The ceremony includes the offering of incense and respectful processions to the village communal houses, honoring the traditions. |
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The highlight of the festival is the thrilling ball robbery game, attracting hundreds of energetic young men from the four villages, who compete with enthusiasm and spirit. |
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| A close-up of the wooden ball, the center of attention and the source of excitement during the festival. |
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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 gathers eagerly, cheering on the competitors and awaiting the moment when a skilled participant successfully captures the elusive wooden ball. |
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| It is believed that whoever touches the ball during the festival will be blessed with good luck and fortune for the entire year, adding to the excitement and significance of the event. |
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 unity. This unique tradition, passed down for generations, leaves participants and spectators alike with unforgettable memories and a deeper connection to Vietnam’s ancient traditions.
