For centuries, the Vân Village Water Wrestling Festival has been preserved by local residents as an integral part of their cultural and spiritual life. VNA/VNS Photos

Held every four years in Vân Village, Vân Hà Ward, Bắc Ninh Province, the Water Wrestling Festival takes place over three days, from the 12th to the 14th day of the fourth lunar month. Often described as a "living museum" of Kinh Bắc culture, the festival preserves unique local traditions passed down through generations.

The festival is associated with the legend of Đức Thánh Tam Giang, a legendary guardian deity of the Tam Giang region, who is said to have helped repel the Liang invaders in the sixth century. It recreates a historic battle in which evil spirits were subdued, while also reflecting ancient indigenous beliefs linked to the worship of the Sun God by wet-rice farming communities.

More than a sporting contest, the festival embodies age-old hopes for favourable weather, abundant harvests and harmony within the community. Recognising its outstanding historical and cultural value, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism inscribed the festival on the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2022.

Players perform the traditional ritual of drinking rice wine and eating watermelon before the match begins.

Young men grapple fiercely around the wooden ball as mud splashes into the air with every sprint and collision.

The village's Water Wrestling Festival is renowned for its distinctive character and is often regarded as one of a kind.

With a history stretching back centuries, the Vân Village Water Wrestling Festival remains deeply rooted in the spiritual beliefs and communal cultural life of the Kinh Bắc region.

Bare-chested and covered in mud, players wrestle intensely for possession of the wooden ball, showcasing the martial spirit and communal vitality that define the festival.

Players battle fiercely for control of the ball during the match.

A fierce contest for possession unfolds on the muddy field.

A dramatic contest unfolds between two competing teams.

The ball, made from jackfruit wood and weighing around 20kg, symbolises prayers for favourable weather, peace and prosperity, and abundant harvests.

Players battle fiercely for possession of the ball during the match.

A player struggles to evade defenders and move the ball towards the scoring pit. The action remains fast-paced and intense on the slippery muddy surface.

Not only the players, but many children and spectators also end up covered in mud as they immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere. For the people of Vân Village, the mud is not a blemish on the festival but part of a shared community memory.

The Village Vân Water Wrestling Festival is renowned for its distinctive character and is often regarded as one of a kind.

On the roughly 200-square-metre muddy field within the grounds of the Temple of Đức Thánh Tam Giang, teams compete fiercely to drive the ball into their opponents' scoring pit.

On the roughly 200-square-metre muddy field within the grounds of the Temple of Đức Thánh Tam Giang, teams compete fiercely to drive the ball into their opponents' scoring pit.

Heavy collisions, thick mud and enthusiastic cheers combine to create the festival's distinctive appeal.

The festival attracts large crowds thanks to its lively atmosphere, intense contests on the muddy field and rituals steeped in spiritual significance, expressing hopes for favourable weather and abundant harvests.