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. These generals, in preparation for potential foreign invasions, devised a unique and thrilling game for their soldiers. 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 fight to seize possession of it. The brave and skillful soldiers who successfully captured the ball and returned it to the designated spot were bestowed with abundant rewards and honored for their valor.
The people of Lap Thach, to pay homage to these legendary generals and their legacy, constructed five communal houses. These houses serve as sacred repositories for the revered balls and also host the lively and much-anticipated festival games. It is deeply believed that the fortunate villager who demonstrates their prowess by capturing the ball will not only be blessed with good fortune but will also bring prosperity and luck to the 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 games. Photos: Ngoc Tu –
Duy Khanh/The Hanoi Times
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The ceremony includes the offering of incense and respectful processions to the 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, attracting 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, the centerpiece of the exciting games, greased and ready for the eager participants.
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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.
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The crowd gathers eagerly, their excitement palpable, as they cheer on the competitors, awaiting the moment when a lucky participant successfully captures the elusive wooden ball.
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It is believed that whoever touches the ball during the game will be blessed with good luck and fortune for the entire year, making it an even more thrilling experience for all involved.
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The Da Cau Cuop Phet Festival presents a unique and rare opportunity to immerse oneself in Vietnam’s rich cultural history and community spirit. It is a celebration of ancient traditions passed down through generations, bringing excitement and joy to all who participate and witness it.
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