YÊN BÁI — A range of spring festivals are taking place in the north of Việt Nam as locals wish for a year full of happiness, health and prosperity.

The two-day Đông Cuông Festival featured traditional rituals praying for good things in the new year, the sacrifice of the white buffalo, art performances and sports contests like volleyball, tug of war, wrestling and boat races. The festival closed Wednesday. 

One of the biggest celebrations, Trần Temple Festival, which aimed to commemorate the great dedication of kings in the Trần Dynasty (1225-1400) in founding and protecting the nation, kicked off on Wednesday night with the participation of thousands of local people.

This year’s festival commemorates the 730th anniversary of the third victory over the invading Mogols.

The five-day festival features traditional rituals, a fish-cooking contest, folk games as well as a water procession in which water was taken from the Red River and carried for nearly 20km as an offering to Trần Kings.

One of the most significant contributions of the Trần dynasty is repelling the aggressive Yuan-Mongol invaders three times in the 13th century.

The festival is held annually in Hưng Hà District of Thái Bình Province, an important military base in the fight against the Yuan-Mongols and the resting place of some Trần kings.

Starting from the early 12th century, the Trần family settled in Thái Bình Province, where they grew rice and fished for a living. Thus this area is believed to be the founding place of the Trần Dynasty, one of the most powerful dynasties in the feudal history of Việt Nam. This was also home to several temples and shrines dedicated to the Trần royal family.

Meanwhile in the mountainous province of Bắc Kạn, the Mù Là Festival is held from the 12th to 14th day of the first lunar month with the aim of waving off the unfortunate happenings of the previous year and to wish for favourable weather and happiness for local people. It features folk games like bird fighting, cow fighting, sports games and bonfires.

This is an opportunity to introduce and promote the culture and customs of local ethnic people as well as the beautiful landscapes of Bắc Kạn and Tuyên Quang for visitors.

Mù Là is located in Cổ Linh Commune of Bắc Kạn Province, bordering Tuyên Quang Province. — VNS