Hoa My Communal House Festival

Hoa My, which appears on a map of Viet Nam dated 1825 (the fifth year of King Minh Mang’s reign), now belongs to Hoa My Group, Hoa Minh Ward, Lien Chieu District. A festival is held annually on the 12th day of the first lunar month to remind the young people of the tradition “uong nuoc nho nguon” (be grateful to your ancestors), and to recognise their successes and what they should do in the next year. Because of the war, the festival did not take place for a long period, but it has been held again every year since 1994.

Hoa My Communal House Festival lasts for a day and a half and is in two parts.  The ceremony part takes a traditional form consisting of “le vong” and “le hoi ky”, whilst the “Phan Hoi” (gala activities part) includes traditional and modern games which have become key features of the festival.  At the beginning of the festival, traditionally there is a running race which attracts the participation of many farmers, youths and students.  Young people also take part in flower-arranging, whilst the old ones perform some physical exercises, and sing “bai choi”.

The many spectators enjoy the traditional games such as “keo co” (tug-of-war) and “dap om ”, plus the exciting atmosphere.  People can also enjoy adaptations of “tuong”, and singing and dancing performances.