Illustrative photo (Source: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – The GiongFestival began in Phu Dong village, Gia Lam district, Hanoi, on May 2 or the seventhday of the fourth month of the lunar calendar, attracting many tourists.
The event is held annually betweenthe 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 Vietnam Culture and Art Sub-Institutesaid “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 theninth, when flags are carried from the Mother Temple to the Upper Temple andsacrifices are made. People perform ritual dances and songs, while battlesagainst the invaders are re-enacted.
UNESCO recognised Vietnam’s Giongfestival as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2010.
Vietnam has nearly 8,000 festivals ayear, of which 88.36 percent is folk festival, 6 percent is religious festivaland 4 percent is historical events.-VNA
VNA
