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HONGNAM: Traditional Festivals
Bach Dang Festival
The Bach Dang River
has been etched into locals? memories as a site where national heroes
struggled against foreign aggressors. These included: Ngo Quyen who planted
sharp wooden stakes into the riverbed to defeat a Chinese invasion force
(938); Le Hoan ( 981); Tran Hung Dao and the famous generals of the Tran
Dynasty (1288).
Since these victories, festivals celebrating the events have been organised by the people on the eighth day of the fourth lunar month. The ceremonies are comprised of the usual incense burning and offerings. The population 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 commemorate the victories of days gone by. Along with the boat races, other entertainment is organised for the festival, such as wrestling, human chess playing, story telling and cock-fighting. |
