Giong festival attracts visitors

The Giong Festival began in Phu Dong Village, Gia Lam District, Ha Noi, was held on May 2 or the seventh day of the fourth month of the lunar calendar, attracting many tourists.

The event is held annually between the seventh and ninth day of the fourth lunar month to commemorate Saint Giong, a local hero who sacrificed his life to defeat invaders.

It is celebrated with processions, rituals and performances.

The Viet Nam Culture and Art Sub-Institute said “The festival follows a format written in an ancient book called Hoi Le (Festival Regulations), which was passed down through the generations.”

The main day of the event falls on the ninth, when flags are carried from the Mother Temple to the Upper Temple and sacrifices are made. People perform ritual dances and songs, while battles against the invaders are re-enacted.

UNESCO recognised Viet Nam’s Giong festival as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2010.

Viet Nam has nearly 8,000 festivals a year, of which 88.36 percent is folk festival, 6 percent is religious festival and 4 percent is historical events.