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 engage in a spirited competition to seize control of the ball. Those who successfully captured it and placed it in the designated spot received great rewards and were believed to bring good fortune to their village.
The people of Lap Thach hold this festival dear to their hearts and have built five communal houses to honor the legacy of the legendary generals. These sacred spaces are where the precious balls are carefully kept, and the energetic games are played. According to local beliefs, the lucky villager who manages to capture the ball will not only be blessed with good luck but is thought to bring prosperity to the entire community for the coming year.
| The festival is a vibrant celebration with two main parts: solemn ceremonies and energetic festival games. Photos: Ngoc Tu – Duy Khanh/The Hanoi Times |
| The ceremonies include traditional offerings of incense and processions to the village communal houses, honoring the spirits and ancestors. |
| The ball robbery game is the festival’s highlight, attracting hundreds of energetic young men from the four villages, who compete with enthusiasm and a spirit of camaraderie. |
| A close-up of the wooden ball, Qua Phet, the center of attention during the festival games. |
| The procession of the saint’s palanquin, with a mannequin dressed as a mandarin, adds a touch of tradition and festivity to the cultural event. |
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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. |
| According to local beliefs, whoever touches the ball during the game is blessed with good luck and fortune 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 the cultural history, community spirit, and excitement of a unique tradition that has been passed down for generations. |
