Every year, the historic Trieu Khuc Village in Hanoi’s Thanh Tri district comes alive with its vibrant traditional festival.

This centuries-old celebration honors Phung Hung, a revered national hero, and features unique cultural performances, including the fascinating "Con Di Danh Bong" dance - a folk tradition where young men dress as women and perform lively drum dances.

Honoring Phung Hung with grand rituals

On the afternoon of the ninth day of the Lunar New Year, Trieu Khuc villagers gather to pay tribute to Bố Cái Đại Vương Phung Hung, a legendary leader known for his resistance against foreign invaders.

The festival begins with a grand ceremonial procession, where locals carry the imperial robe and regalia of King Phung Hung from Dinh Tho Sac to Dai Dinh communal house.

A parade of palanquins winds through the village’s main streets, drawing crowds of locals and tourists. Trieu Khuc is home to two ancient communal houses, including Dinh Tho Sac, which preserves royal decrees from the Le Canh Hung era (1783) to the Khai Dinh era (1924), and Dai Dinh, dedicated to Phung Hung himself.

The festival spans three days (from the 9th to the 12th of the Lunar New Year), featuring a variety of cultural performances such as dragon dances, lion dances, flag-running ceremonies, and the traditional Sinh Tien dance, performed by young village women.

The unique ‘Con Di Danh Bong’ dance: Hanoi’s one-of-a-kind folk tradition

One of the festival’s most captivating performances is the "Con Di Danh Bong" dance, a tradition passed down through generations. This playful yet elegant folk dance is performed exclusively by unmarried young men with graceful appearances.

The dancers wear women’s traditional attire, complete with rosy cheeks, red lipstick, and black headscarves, while carrying small drums (trống bồng) strapped to their waists. They gracefully move in pairs, rhythmically tapping the drums while executing delicate, flirtatious movements that captivate audiences.

This year, Cao Xuan Huu Dong and Nguyen Hai Dang, both 13 years old, were the youngest dancers to participate. “This is my first year performing. At first, the moves seemed difficult, but after three months of training, I can finally dance alongside the experienced performers,” said Huu Dong.

To maintain authenticity, dancers must master the gentle, flowing movements that make the dance both humorous and artistic. The performance requires a sense of grace and charm, as the dancers’ expressions and gestures are key to bringing the tradition to life.

A festival rich in history and community spirit

As the festival procession moves through Trieu Khuc, many local families set up altars with offerings of flowers and fruits to pay their respects to Phung Hung. The event is not only a time for commemoration but also a way to bring the community together and preserve Vietnam’s rich folk traditions.

The festival concludes on the 12th day of the Lunar New Year with a dramatic flag-running ceremony, where participants race through the village before the final return of Phung Hung’s altar to Dinh Tho Sac.

The Trieu Khuc Village Festival remains a cherished event, blending history, culture, and vibrant folk performances. Through rituals like the "Con Di Danh Bong" dance, this ancient tradition continues to thrive, offering a glimpse into the rich heritage of Thang Long – Hanoi.

Pham Hai