Local Interest
Colleen Winterburn
Festivals in February
HƯƠNG PAGODA 31 Jan 2017 - 28 Feb 2017
One of the most important Buddhist festivals in Vietnam , the Huong Pagoda Festival is an integral part of Buddhist people within the country . The pagoda is located in My Duc district , approximately 70 kilometres south of Hanoi . As other festivals in Vietnam , Huong Pagoda Festival is also divided into two parts : The ceremonies and the entertaining activities . Ceremonial rituals consist of incense offering procession and Zen ceremony in which Monks and Buddhists offer incense , flowers , candles , and fruits . During the ceremony , there are two monks performing beautiful and flexible dances . On the other hand , entertaining activities include enjoying boat cruise along Yen Stream for watching picturesque scenery , climbing mountain , and exploring holy caves . It is believed that climbing up the top of Huong Tich Mountain will bring you fulfillment and great success in life . Famous delicacies during the festival include bamboo shoots , Sang vegetables and fresh apricot juice . Surrounding the Huong Son Mountain near the pagoda are the fragrant blossoms of the apricot flower , a sight not to be missed .
HAI BÀ TRƯNG TEMPLE 02 Feb 2017 - 03 Feb 2017
Held in Me Linh District , Hanoi this festival celebrates the famous Hai Bà Trưng sisters , Trung Trac and Trung Nhi . These famed heroines are celebrated for riding elephants into battles from 40-43AD . They eventually proclaimed themselves empresses after gaining independence over foreign invaders . A colourful procession marks the beginning of this festival and includes elephants and colourful offerings to the ancient Hai Ba Trung Temple .
The Festival opens with the procession of the king ’ s palanquins , fighting-elephants and offerings from the Ha Loi Communal House to the ancient complex of Hai Ba Trung Temple . The procession is held with jubilance and excitement with colourful flags , drumbeats , gongs and musical sounds performed by an octet . The respected elders in the village are selected to beat drums and strong men and beautiful girls carry the two palanquins during the procession . On both sides of the village road , the villagers display their offerings to welcome the procession . The Festival also includes many cultural activities , such as traditional dances , wrestling and folk games of swinging and earthen pot-beating .
The MAG Vung Tau 21