Ninh Binh – Sacred land with many unique festivals
Like most provinces and cities in the North, Ninh Binh also has unique cultural beliefs expressed through many festivals lasting from January to November of the lunar calendar. Most festivals usually aim to commemorate the merits of those who have contributed to the country, the people, and the heroes and heroes of the nation. Besides, Ninh Binh festival also aims to attract more tourists to visit the scenic spots and experience tourism here. So do you know the most unique festivals of Ninh Binh province?

Hoa Lu ancient capital festival

• Time: February 15 of the lunar calendar or March 6 – March 10 of the lunar calendar depending on the schedule of each year
• Location: Hoa Lu ancient capital cultural relic site, Truong Yen district, Ninh Binh province.

If anyone asks the question “Which Ninh Binh festival is the biggest festival of the year?” Then please boldly answer the festival of Hoa Lu ancient capital! Because during the festivals in Ninh Binh, the ancient capital of Hoa Lu is held every year to express the patriotism, gratitude, and spirit of “Drinking water, remember the source” of the Vietnamese people towards heroes and heroes masterpieces of the nation like King Dinh Tien Hoang or King Le Dai Hanh. Therefore, the festival will usually be held on the birthday of King Dinh Tien Hoang, which is February 15 of the lunar calendar or from March 6 to March 10 of the lunar calendar depending on each year at the central square of the relic site. The ancient cultural capital of Hoa Lu is located in Truong Yen district, Ninh Binh province.

Inside the festival, many unique activities will be held including processions such as: temple opening ceremony, incense offering ceremony, water procession ceremony… so that visitors can learn in the most detail about customs and culture here. The festival will also have many cultural and artistic activities, sports and organize folk games such as calligraphy painting, presenting a tray of five fruits to the king… extremely interesting. If you have the opportunity to explore Ninh Binh in February, don’t miss it!

Duc Thanh Nguyen Temple Festival

Duc Thanh Nguyen Minh Khong was born on October 15, 1065. After his death (in 1141), he was given the title Ly Quoc Su by the Ly dynasty (a high monk with the leading position in the Ly dynasty in Vietnamese history). He had many great contributions in treating King Ly and the people. In addition, he was also instrumental in learning the techniques of burning and mixing bronze to revive the craft of bronze casting – the quintessence of Dong Son civilization – ancient Vietnamese civilization. He was honored by the people as Duc Thanh Nguyen. The Temple of Duc Thanh Nguyen is an ancient temple in Diem village, ancient Trang An district (now in Gia Thang and Gia Tien communes, Gia Vien district). The temple was built on the foundation of a pagoda called Vien Quang founded by Nguyen Minh Khong in 1121. When he died, the people of Dam Xa were grateful and worshiped him here. Saint Nguyen Temple was ranked as a National Architectural and Artistic Monument in February 1989. Duc Thanh Nguyen Temple Festival takes place from the 8th to the 10th of the third lunar month. The main festival is held every 5 or 10 years (depending on economic conditions); The festival is also held every year in January. In the main ceremony, there is the custom of carrying water from the Hoang Long River to the temple; Te Luc Khuc, male mandarin, female mandarin… The festival organizes folk games of tug of war, 32-piece chess, cockfighting, volleyball and football competitions.

Thai Vi temple festival

Traveling to Ninh Binh in spring, visitors certainly cannot miss the colorful festivals imbued with the ancient culture of this place. Ninh Binh has many festivals and most of them are held in January or March of the lunar calendar, so coming to the Ancient Capital in spring is the most appropriate time to go to the festival. In particular, in the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, you will participate in the unique Thai Vi temple festival.

Thai Vi Temple Festival is held every spring from the 14th to 17th of the third lunar month in Van Lam village, Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu district. Everyone will eagerly participate in their dresses as this is a big festival of the entire district. This is also one of the spiritual festivals in Ninh Binh to commemorate the Tran Dynasty kings who built the country and repelled foreign invaders. The unique feature of this festival is the palanquin procession with 30 processions from Hoa Lu district and Ninh Binh province, not just stopping at one or two individual groups.

After the palanquin procession, there will be important sacrificial rituals, playing a major role in the Thai Vi temple festival. After that, visitors will be immersed in the bustling and fun atmosphere of unique folk games such as human chess, wrestling, lion dance, dragon boating season…

Spring travel to Ninh Binh is so interesting! Are you ready to go? Surely the natural scenery here will not disappoint you.

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