Giỗ Tổ Hùng Vương: Hùng Kings’ Temple Festival

Essential Information

Data Field (Title)ContentIcon/Note
Official Vietnamese NameGiỗ Tổ Hùng Vương or Lễ hội Đền HùngHùng Kings' Commemoration Day
English NameHùng Kings' Temple FestivalUNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage
Festival PeriodAnnually from the 1st to the 10th day of the 3rd Lunar Month.Main Public Holiday: 10th day of the 3rd Lunar Month.
Major LocationHùng Temple Complex, Nghĩa Lĩnh Mountain, Việt Trì City, Phú Thọ Province (North Vietnam).Commemorations also take place at thousands of smaller temples nationwide.
Festival CategoryAncestral Worship, Historical, National HolidayReinforces national unity and cultural identity.
HighlightsGrand Incense Procession, Bánh Chưng and Bánh Giầy Offerings, Hát Xoan (Folk Singing) Performances, Traditional Games.A symbolic pilgrimage to the nation's spiritual roots.

I. Overview & History

Festival Origin and Significance

The Giỗ Tổ Hùng Vương festival honors the 18 Hùng Kings, the legendary founders of the Văn Lang kingdom, considered the ancestral nation of Vietnam. This celebration is a profound expression of the national tradition “uống nước nhớ nguồn” (When drinking water, remember its source), emphasizing respect and gratitude for the country’s founders and ancestors.

The main ritual dates back to the 15th century, but the 10th day of the 3rd lunar month was formally established as a national holiday in 1917 under the Nguyễn Dynasty. In 2012, the Worship of the Hùng Kings in Phú Thọ was recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, cementing its global cultural importance. The festival serves as a powerful reminder of Vietnamese unity and shared ancestry.

II. Key Activities and Programs

The Ceremonial Rites (Lễ Phần)

The official ceremonies are solemn and usually take place on the 10th day, involving high-ranking officials and local representatives.

  • Grand Procession: A colorful procession involving local communities, traditional costumes, flags, gongs, and drums starts at the foot of Nghĩa Lĩnh Mountain and ascends to the various temples.

  • Incense Offering: The most important ritual, where government and pilgrim delegations offer incense, flowers, and special foods at the Upper Temple (Đền Thượng) to pay homage to the Kings and pray for the nation’s prosperity.

  • Ancestral Offerings: Ceremonies are also held to worship the mythical national ancestors: Lạc Long Quân (Dragon Lord) and Âu Cơ (Immortal Fairy Queen).

  • Traditional Foods: Offerings include Bánh Chưng (square sticky rice cake, representing Earth) and Bánh Giầy (round sticky rice cake, representing Heaven), symbolizing harmony and gratitude.

The Festive Celebrations (Hội Phần)

The festival transforms the temple grounds into a lively showcase of folk culture for several days.

  • Xoan Singing (Hát Xoan): Performances of this ancient folk singing tradition, also a UNESCO recognized art form, are a highlight.

  • Folk Games: Various community games are played, including human chess (Cờ người), wrestling competitions, bamboo swinging, and rice cooking contests, drawing large crowds of participants and spectators.

  • Cultural Exhibition: Displays of traditional crafts, bronze drum performances, and local specialties are set up around the complex.

III. Traveler's Practical Guide

Guide FieldDetails
Location NoteThe Hùng Temple is located about 90 km northwest of Hanoi (a 1.5 to 2-hour drive).
Crowd WarningExpect extreme crowding on the 10th day of the lunar month. Millions of pilgrims visit the complex, making the climb to the temples slow and challenging. Arrive days early to avoid the peak crowds.
Etiquette & DressDress Respectfully: As this is a sacred site (temple/shrine), modest attire covering shoulders and knees is mandatory. Avoid overly bright colors or revealing clothes, especially when participating in the procession or entering the temples.
AccommodationBook accommodations in Việt Trì City or nearby Hanoi well in advance. During the main festival, prices can be higher and availability limited.
TransportationTraveling to Phú Thọ during this time will be difficult due to heavy traffic and high demand. Pre-book private transfers or train tickets to Việt Trì weeks ahead.
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