Quick Facts
| Data Field (Title) | Content | Icon/Note |
|---|---|---|
| Official Vietnamese Name | Lễ hội rước pháo Đồng Kỵ | Translates to Đồng Kỵ Firecracker Procession Festival. |
| Location | Đồng Kỵ Village, Từ Sơn City, Bắc Ninh Province, Vietnam. | Located about 30 km northeast of Hanoi. |
| Date | 4th day of the 1st Lunar Month (Main Day) | The festival generally runs from the 3rd to the 7th day of the 1st Lunar Month. |
| Significance | Commemorates General Thiên Cương, who helped the Hùng Kings defeat invaders. | Reenacts the triumphant return and celebration of soldiers, symbolizing national defense and wishing for prosperity. |
| Intangible Heritage | Recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage of Vietnam (2016). |
I. Overview and Historical Origin
A Celebration of Military Valor
The Lễ hội rước pháo Đồng Kỵ is a uniquely vigorous and visually spectacular festival held shortly after the Tết (Lunar New Year) holiday in Bắc Ninh province, the heart of the historic Kinh Bắc region.
The festival honors the village’s tutelary god, Saint Thiên Cương, a general who, according to legend, recruited soldiers from Đồng Kỵ to help the Hùng Kings fight the Xích Quỷ invaders. The central ritual—the firecracker procession—reenacts the general’s triumphant return and the celebratory feast he held for his troops before they marched into battle on the 4th day of the lunar month.
Symbolism of the Firecrackers
In the past, the festival was famous for a massive firecracker lighting competition. After the government banned the use of large, non-essential firecrackers, the tradition evolved. Today, the core of the festival is the procession of two enormous, exquisitely crafted wooden firecracker models (sometimes referred to as “Ông Pháo” or Grand Firecrackers) that symbolize the originals.
II. The Grand Procession
The procession on the 4th day is the climax of the festival and a powerful display of community spirit and strength.
1. The Giant Firecrackers
Scale and Artistry: The two symbolic firecrackers are massive, typically measuring about 6 meters (20 feet) long and often weighing close to 1,000 kg each.
Decoration: They are carved from wood, lacquered with gold, and adorned with traditional Vietnamese mythical creatures—the Dragon, Unicorn, Turtle, and Phoenix (tứ linh)—to symbolize wishes for favorable weather and a prosperous new year.
2. The Carriers (The Strong Men)
The procession itself is a test of strength and honor:
The Team: Each firecracker is carried by a team of up to 100 young, strong men from the village, carefully selected for their physical fitness and good character.
The Route: The teams alternately carry the giant models through the village streets, from the Traditional Cultural House to the Communal House (Đình), where solemn rituals are performed.
III. Other Notable Traditions
The festival involves several unique and deeply traditional customs specific to Đồng Kỵ village.
1. The Four Generals (Ông Đám)
Selection: Four respected men turning 50 years old that year are selected to assume the roles of generals (Ông Đám). They are chosen based on strict criteria, including a happy family life and successful business ventures, symbolizing a prosperous year ahead.
The Ritual: Clad in red, the four generals are carried on the shoulders of younger men, running around the communal house courtyard. This spirited act represents the generals leading the troops and seeking blessings for the village.
2. Community Gathering
Throughout the multi-day festival, the village engages in various traditional activities:
Ritual Worship: Solemn offerings and prayers are made at the village’s communal house and temples to the tutelary god.
Folk Games and Arts: Traditional games such as wrestling, human chess, and cockfighting, alongside performances of Quan Họ folk singing, contribute to the vibrant, celebratory atmosphere.