Phu Tho (VNA) – Unique cultural values of the Muong people will be introduced for the first time at the Hung Kings Commemoration Day and Hung Kings Temple Festival 2026, adding a fresh highlight to one of Vietnam’s most significant cultural events.
The announcement was made at a conference held on March 17 at the Hung Kings Temple historical relic site to review preparations for the annual celebration.
This year’s festival, together with the Ancestor Land Culture and Tourism Week, will take place from April 17 to 26 (the first to 10th days of the third lunar month) across the Hung Kings Temple complex and surrounding localities.
The ceremonial part will feature traditional rituals, including incense-offering ceremonies commemorating the Hung Kings, a ceremony marking the death anniversary of Lac Long Quan and Au Co, as well as palanquin processions by local communities and a floral tribute at the bas-relief “Uncle Ho talking to Tien Phong (Pioneer) Brigade.”
Alongside the rituals, a wide range of cultural activities will be organised, such as an opening art programme, folk performances, street festivals, exhibitions, traditional cake-making contests, water puppetry and Xoan singing performances, high-altitude fireworks, and night tours themed “Sacred Hung Kings Temple – Returning to the Roots.”
According to Pham Thi Hoang Oanh, deputy director of the site’s management board, the Muong culture showcase will include the re-enactment of traditional rituals, folk songs, gong performances, and daily life. This is expected to enrich the festival while offering visitors deeper insight into the spiritual life of communities in Vietnam’s midland regions.
Vice Chairwoman of the provincial People’s Committee Phung Thi Kim Nga noted that the 2026 festival takes place in a special context following the completion of administrative restructuring and the implementation of a two-tier local government model.
With an expanded and diversified scale reflecting the cultural identities of former Phu Tho, Vinh Phuc, and Hoa Binh areas, the festival is expected to further promote the image of the land and people of Phu Tho./.
