The Da Cau Cuop Phet Festival, or “Ball Kicking and Robbing Festival,” is a joyous and energetic 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 thrilling and unique game.
With a history spanning centuries, the festival honors Vietnam’s ancient traditions of martial arts 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 the king sent four generals to govern the region and maintain order, they devised a special training game for their soldiers to prepare for potential foreign invasions. A large wooden ball, named Qua Phet, was crafted, greased, and rolled out into an open field, where soldiers would eagerly scramble to seize it. The brave souls who managed to capture the ball and return it to the designated spot were bestowed with abundant rewards.
The people of Lap Thach hold these legendary generals in high regard and have built five communal houses to honor their legacy. These sacred structures are not only used to safeguard the revered balls but also to host the spirited game that has become a community tradition. It is believed that the villager who demonstrates their prowess by capturing the ball will be blessed with good fortune, bringing luck to themselves and the entire community for the coming year.
| The festival is a vibrant celebration with two main parts: solemn ceremonies and energetic festival activities. Photos: Ngoc Tu – Duy Khanh/The Hanoi Times |
| The ceremony includes the offering of incense and respectful processions to the village communal houses, honoring the traditions of the past. |
| The highlight of the festival is the ball robbery game, a thrilling spectacle that attracts hundreds of energetic young men from the four villages, all eager to showcase their strength and agility. |
| A close-up of the wooden ball, the center of attention during the festival, greased and ready for the eager participants. |
| Adding to the festive atmosphere is the procession of the saint’s palanquin, adorned with a mannequin dressed as a mandarin, a unique and colorful sight. |
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| The crowd gathers eagerly, their cheers filling the air as they anticipate the moment when a brave competitor will successfully capture the elusive wooden ball. |
| According to local beliefs, whoever touches the ball during the festival is blessed with good luck and fortune for the entire year, making it a highly anticipated event. |
| The Da Cau Cuop Phet Festival is more than just a game; it is a rare opportunity to immerse oneself in the cultural history and community spirit of Lap Thach. It is a tradition passed down for generations, offering excitement and a unique connection to the past. |
