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 control of it. The brave souls who managed to capture the ball and place it in a designated spot were bestowed with generous rewards.
The people of Lap Thach, as a tribute to the legendary generals, constructed five communal houses to safeguard the sacred balls and carry on the tradition of the game. It is deeply believed that the fortunate villager who emerges victorious in capturing the ball will be blessed with good fortune, bringing prosperity to the entire community for the year ahead.
 Photos: Ngoc Tu – Duy Khanh/The Hanoi Times |
| The festival is a joyous two-part event, comprising a solemn ceremony and an exhilarating series of activities. |
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The ceremony includes the traditional offering of incense and processions to the village communal houses, setting a sacred tone for the festival. |
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The highlight of the festival is undoubtedly the ball robbery game, a thrilling contest that attracts hundreds of energetic young men from the four villages. |
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A close-up view of the wooden ball, the centerpiece of the festival’s signature game. |
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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, cheering on the competitors and awaiting the moment when one of them successfully captures the elusive wooden ball. |
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According to local beliefs, anyone who touches the ball during the festival is blessed with good luck for the entire year. |
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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 enthusiasm for a tradition passed down through generations. |
