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