Trieu Khuc village festival showcases unique “Con di danh bong” dance tradition

Every three years, the festival is organised on a larger scale, attracting large numbers of residents and visitors from across the country. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

The event offers local people an opportunity to express reverence for national hero Bo Cai Dai Vuong Phung Hung (761 - 802). (Photo: VietnamPlus)

For Trieu Khuc residents, Phung Hung is not only a king and military commander but also a sacred guardian believed to protect the village and bring peace, prosperity and abundant harvests. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

King Phung Hung led an uprising against Chinese Tang dynasty forces in the 8th century, contributing significantly to the nation’s struggle for independence (Photo: VietnamPlus)

In 2020, the festival was recognised as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

Before the sacred procession begins, villagers prepare offerings outside their homes to pay respects as the palanquin passes by. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

One of the festival’s most prominent highlights is the “Trong Bong” dance, also known as “Con di danh bong”. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

Young men dress as women and apply colourful makeup before performing the Bong dance during the sacred procession. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

Legend has it that, in the 8th century, Phung Hung gathered insurgent forces in Trieu Khuc village to besiege Tang dynasty troops. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

To encourage soldiers and entertain the army, he ordered troops to dress as women in colourful costumes and perform drum dances. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

Many lively performances take place during the festival, with the “Trong Bong” or “Con di danh bong” dance considered the most important. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

The dance is performed exclusively by men, featuring graceful and expressive movements rooted in the fertility beliefs of wet-rice agricultural culture. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

Although held annually, the festival continues to generate excitement and anticipation among villagers each year. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

Each festival must feature at least six “con di” performers playing the Bong dance. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

Performers are required to be unmarried young men of good character and presentable appearance from respected families. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

Wearing makeup and female costumes with drums strapped to their chests, performers execute lively and flirtatious dance movements together. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

The dance combines bold, energetic rhythms with softness and flexibility, using simple yet distinctive movements such as spinning, leaning back, and coordinated gestures between dancers. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

Despite cross-dressing, the performers’ movements convey masculine strength and martial spirit. The Trieu Khuc festival is regarded as one of the best-preserved traditional festivals, reflecting the spiritual and cultural identity of Hanoi’s thousand-year-old heritage. (Photo: VietnamPlus)