The Co Loa Festival Cultural Week, a vibrant celebration of Vietnamese culture and traditions, returns in 2025 from February 3 to 16. This annual festival, one of the oldest in Vietnam, is a tribute to King An Duong Vuong, a pivotal figure in the country’s history.
Located in the outskirts of Hanoi, in Dong Anh District, the festival is organized by the 12 hamlets of Co Loa Commune, honoring the legacy of King An Duong Vuong, founder of the ancient Vietnamese kingdom of Au Lac. With a history spanning over 2,300 years, the festival preserves the rich cultural and historical values of the nation.
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The sacrifice ceremony, a pivotal ritual of the Co Loa Festival, honoring King An Duong Vuong and the Au Lac Kingdom. Photo: Anh Kiet/The Hanoi Times |
To Anh Duy, Chairman of the Co Loa Commune People’s Committee, emphasizes the festival’s role in safeguarding Vietnam’s cultural heritage. “The Co Loa Festival is our way of paying homage to King An Duong Vuong and ensuring that our traditions are passed down to future generations,” he says. The festival features a range of folk rituals, including elaborate costumes, traditional music, water puppet shows, and engaging games, all of which showcase the richness of Vietnamese culture.
Recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, the Co Loa Festival holds significant historical value. This year’s celebration aligns with the city’s “Bright – Green – Clean – Beautiful” campaign, promoting patriotism and educating visitors about Vietnam’s proud history.
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The festival preserves ancient customs and rituals, connecting the community to its roots. |
During the festival, the village streets come alive with colorful flags, processions, and palanquins. Traditional games and folk performances, such as water puppet shows and Quan Ho singing, take center stage, with villagers enthusiastically participating. The dragon boat performances, with male and female groups engaging in duets and songs, are a highlight of the festivities.
The Co Loa Festival serves as a reminder of the importance of cultural preservation and community. It reinforces a shared commitment to upholding the nation’s rich history and traditions, providing an educational experience for all, especially the younger generation.
Nguyen Thi Tam, Vice Chairwoman of the Dong Anh People’s Committee, reflects on the significance of the festival, “2,300 years ago, King An Duong Vuong established the capital of Au Lac Kingdom in Co Loa Citadel after a valiant resistance war against Qin soldiers. Today, we gather to honor his legacy and the proud history of our nation.”
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Leaders of the Hanoi Party Committee and Dong Anh District offer incense at the Co Loa National Special Relic Site, honoring the festival’s rich history. |
The Co Loa Citadel, with its unique spiral design, is an ancient structure and a symbol of Vietnam’s proud civilization. Its name, “Co Loa,” translates to “ancient spiral” in Sino-Vietnamese. The citadel, along with the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, represents the thousand-year history and resilience of the Vietnamese people.
“The Co Loa Festival is more than just a celebration,” Tam adds. “It is an educational channel, imparting knowledge about our heritage and offering a glimpse into Vietnam’s rich historical tapestry. This ancient citadel is a testament to our ancestors’ achievements and our nation’s proud ancient civilization.”
| Co Loa villagers participate in a procession to the temple, carrying out a special ritual as part of the sacrifice ceremony. |
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Villagers make their way to the temple, dressed in traditional attire, to perform a special ritual during the Co Loa Festival. |
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The Co Loa Festival Cultural Week attracts both locals and tourists who come together to celebrate Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage. |
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Members of the Co Loa Commune Youth Union proudly take part in the procession, guiding tourists through the festival. |
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The human chess tournament is a unique attraction, showcasing the strategic beauty of the game and attracting chess enthusiasts. |
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Human chess “pieces” strategically placed on the board, adding a creative twist to the traditional game. |
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Wrestling is a highlight of the festival, showcasing the physical prowess and skills of the participants. |
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The swing game, a rare sight at village festivals, is a preserved traditional game that adds to the festive atmosphere. |
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