The Banh Chung Banh Giay Festival in Sam Son, Vietnam, reflects the spiritual culture of the coastal city's inhabitants, recalling the legend of Prince Lang Lieu creating these rice cakes as an offering to the Hung King. It's a proud showcase of heritage, welcoming visitors to join in the festivities and taste the flavors of Vietnam's culinary tradition.

Information about the festival

The celebration is one of the most important festivals in Sam Son, Thanh Hoa.

When will the event in Sam Son occur?

The annual Banh Chung Banh Giay Festival takes place in Sam Son, Thanh Hoa, from the 11th to the 13th of the fifth lunar month. Many people from other places come to Sam Son, Thanh Hoa to join in this festival.

The festival in Sam Son runs from the 11th to the 13th of the fifth lunar month

Meaning of the Banh Chung Banh Giay Festival

The event is infused with the spiritual culture of the Sam Son, people, recalling the myth that Prince Lang Lieu developed banh chung and banh giay as an offering to Hung King. Additionally, this event is celebrated to pay honor to the ancestor of weaving and the god Doc Cuoc, hoping for a bountiful harvest, good health, and prosperity as well as for good weather.

The celebration recalls the myth of creating banh chung and banh giay

How is the Banh Chung Banh Giay Festival celebrated?

Early in the morning, a traditional palanquin procession leaves temples in communes to kick off the holiday. More than a thousand people dressed in traditional attire, including elderly people, women, young people, and children, joined the parade of palanquins moving down Ho Xuan Huong Street before congregating in the Doc Cuoc Temple's courtyard to be ready for the official ceremony.

A traditional palanquin procession leaves temples in communes to kick off the Banh Chung Banh Giay Festival

After the opening speech, there was a reading to remember the person who had discovered and built Sam Son. Following are special art performances by artists to praise Sam Son's beauty and change as well as the tale of banh chung banh giay.

In particular, one of the special and attractive activities that catch everyone's interest and encouragement is the Banh Giay contest between wards and communes in the area.

The competition teams passionately recreate every step of creating a traditional Banh Giay, demonstrating the creativity, bravery, power, and unity of the Sam Son people. After the festival is over, the Banh Giay is distributed among the residents so that everyone can share in the good fortune and have a prosperous and peaceful year.

The Banh Giay is distributed among the residents to have good fortune and a prosperous and peaceful year

The Banh Chung Banh Giay Festival in Sam Son beautifully embodies Vietnam's rich cultural heritage and culinary traditions, acting as a lively tribute to unity, gratitude, and familial connections. This annual also extends a heartfelt invitation to the global community to partake in the warmth and hospitality of its people.