Yen Khe Village Festival

Location: Yen Khe Village, Chuong My Ward, Hanoi City

The Yen Khe Village Festival dates back to ancient times, around the 18th century. During the war years, the festival was not held. In 2004, the festival was restored and has continued to the present

The festival is held to commemorate the merits of Saint Ly Cong Lang Dai Vuong. Ly Cong Lang Dai Vuong, also known as Linh Lang Dai Vuong, is an important deity in Vietnamese folk beliefs, closely associated with the history of the Ly dynasty, a Water God and national hero, one of the Four Guardians of ancient Thang Long, symbolizing the strength to protect the country, pray for favorable rain and wind, and resist foreign invasion (especially against the Song army).

b. Description of the forms of expression, practice process, and material and spiritual products created during the practice of the intangible cultural heritage and related cultural space:

The traditional Yen Khe Village festival takes place over 3 days: from the 2nd and 3rd to the 4th day of the 5th lunar month. According to local tradition, the festival is held every 3 to 5 years.

* Before the festival takes place:

The leadership of the residential group organizes a joint meeting including the Party Secretary, the head of the residential group, and the heads of mass organizations. Then an organizing committee is established and tasks are assigned to each member. The meeting takes place at the village communal house or the residential group's cultural house.

According to village custom, naming children must avoid taboo names and sacred names of the village tutelary deities. Especially for the palanquin procession team, there are restrictions on eating and daily activities for about 30 days before the festival. Families in mourning are not allowed to participate in the festival, including in preparation work.