A competition in making chung (square) and day (round) cakes took place at the Hung Temple Historical Relic Site in the northern province of Phu Tho on April 19 (the eighth day of the third lunar month), with the participation of hundreds of artisans from 13 districts, cities and towns in the province.
The contest, held annually by Phu Tho province to markthe death anniversary of the Hung Kings – the Hung Kings Temple Festival, is one of the meaningful traditional activities of the Vietnamese people to express gratitude to their ancestors.
On the same day, a performance beating bronze drums was put forward by the students of Hung Vuong University at the Hung Temple Historical Relic Site, Phu Tho province.
Beating bronze drums is one of the typical folk art and cultural features of the Muong ethnic group, performed during ritual events, summer festivals, weddings or building houses rituals since the era of Hung Vuong (Hung Kings). The activity always attracts the attention of a large number of people and tourists.
In additional, Xoan singing performances were organised at a number of communal houses and temples in the three communes of Kim Duc, Hung Lo and Phuong Lau, Viet Tri city.
On April 20, an art performance programme themed “Sacred roots – Hung Kings Land” will take place from 8:00 pm to 9:30 pm, at Van Lang Park, Viet Tri city.
After the programme, the Phu Tho Provincial People’s Committee has organised high-altitude fireworks for 15 minutes in Viet Tri city which will officially open the activities under the framework of the Hung King Temple Festival.
Earlier, on the morning of April 19, many schools in Ho Chi Minh City held a ceremony to mark the death anniversary of the Hung Kings. The event is considered an opportunity to imbue traditional patriotism in the younger generation, and pay tribute to national ancestors and predecessors who contributed to national construction and defence.
From April 21 to 24, Dam Sen Cultural Park in Ho Chi Minh City will feature a ceremony to mark the death anniversary of the Hung Kings, with many meaningful activities.
