Place:
Yên Giang Commune, Yên Hưng District
Time:The
festival is organized on the eight day of the fourth lunar month,
some years last 4 days and nights. Significance:It
celebrates the Bạch Đằng Victories of national heroes struggled
against foreign aggression: Ngô Quyền(938); Lê Hoàn (981); and
Trần Hưng Đạo and the famous generals of the Trần Dynasty (1288). Bạch Đằng River has
been etched into locals’ memories as a site where national heroes
struggled against foreign aggression. These included: Ngô Quyền
who planted sharp wooden stakes into the riverbed to defeat a
Chinese invasion force (938); Lê Hoàn (981); and Trần Hưng Đạo and
the famous generals of the Trân Dynasty (1288). The ceremonies are
comprised of the usual incense burning and offerings in Trần Hưng
Đạo Temple and Vua Bà Temple. The populations of the village stage
a procession along the banks of the river, and also have a boat
race. Bamboo leaf-shaped kayaks gliding across the water surface
with the shouting of spectators celebrate the victories of days
gone by. Along
with the boat races, other entertainment is organized for the
festival, such as wrestling, human chess playing, and
cock-fighting.
