Co Loa Festival 2025

The Co Loa Festival has been an enduring tradition, preserving numerous historical values from the era of King An Duong Vuong. Recognizing its profound significance, the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism bestowed the official title of National Intangible Cultural Heritage upon the festival on February 3, 2021.

Co Loa Festival - National Intangible Cultural Heritage

The festival in Co Loa is intrinsically linked to the historical significance of the Co Loa Citadel, also known as the Ancient Citadel, a prominent historical landmark in Hanoi.

When will the festival take place?

Co Loa Citadel Festival unfolds annually in Bat Xa village on the 6th day of the Lunar New Year, after the traditional Tet holiday. The festival continues its celebrations until the 18th day of the first lunar month. This festival is held in Dong Anh District, Hanoi, conveniently located about 17 km northwest of the city center.

People start to prepare for this big event early from the 14th day of the twelfth lunar month of the previous year. This is when they spruce up the temple, making sure it's clean and sacred for the festivities. People chosen to carry the ceremonial palanquin are picked thoughtfully and undergo special cleansing rituals. During the ceremony, they also cover their mouths with red cloth as a sign of respect.

The villagers participate in a parade to celebrate the Co Loa Festival in Dong Anh district

Special activities at the festival

In the early morning on lunar January 6th, the community adorns itself in ceremonial attire, waving colorful flags and fans. Led by the master of ceremonies in a green robe and ceremonial hat, they proceed to the shaman's home for an oration, carrying the Possesty to the temple. 

After that, the parade culminates at the head of Co Loa village, where locals greet and escort it into the Upper Temple before continuing the jubilant parade around the village. During the festival, the village streets come alive with flags, processions, and palanquins, creating a vibrant scene beneath the spring sky.

Villagers carry the Possesty to the temple to do a special ritual in the Co Loa Festival

When the parade concludes at noon, the community transitions into an array of captivating activities. The festivities include diverse traditional games scattered across the village, capturing the curiosity of a multitude of tourists. One of the interesting activities is watching the traditional folk play of My Chau and Trong Thuy.

Additionally, the water puppetry and "Quan Ho" singing performances at Gieng Ngoc in the village center are the highlight of the show. Here, villagers divide into male and female groups on dragon boats, engaging in spirited duets, and showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the community.

Villagers divide into male and female groups on dragon boats to perform Quan Ho song

The special meaning of the festival

The Co Loa Festival stands as a vital guardian of traditional Vietnamese cultural values, ensuring their transmission to future generations. Beyond honoring King An Duong Vuong's impactful legacy, the festival becomes a vibrant canvas for preserving folk traditions, showcasing elaborate rituals, distinctive costumes, traditional music, captivating water puppetry, and engaging traditional games.

Moreover, the festival functions as a unifying platform, fostering a sense of solidarity among the people of Co Loa and the broader national community. It underscores the importance of remembering one's cultural roots, reinforcing a shared commitment to preserving the nation's rich history and traditions. 

For the younger generation, the festival provides a unique opportunity to connect with the profound contributions of their forebears, nurturing a deeper appreciation for and commitment to safeguarding Vietnam's patriotic traditions. Therefore, it becomes an educational conduit, imparting knowledge about the country's heritage and offering insights into its historical tapestry.

The festival has passed down its customs and rituals to the present-day

This is a wonderful opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the rich culture and traditions of the Vietnamese people. Seize the moment to join the Co Loa Festival today! Begin planning your Vietnam tour now and be part of the vibrant atmosphere of this distinctive event.