As one of the most important festivals in northern Vietnam, Hoa Lu attracts visitors from all over the country, as well as international travelers eager to experience the pageantry, history, and spirituality of the event.

Historical Significance of Hoa Lu

Hoa Lu was Vietnam’s capital during the 10th and 11th centuries, under the Dinh and Le dynasties. It played a pivotal role in unifying the country during a period of turmoil and foreign threats, particularly under the leadership of Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang and later, Emperor Le Dai Hanh. Both rulers are honored during the Hoa Lu Festival for their contributions to the nation's independence and strength.

The 2024 festival continued this centuries-old tradition, offering a blend of historical commemoration, cultural performances, and religious ceremonies. As Vietnam’s modern capital, Hanoi, celebrates its long history, the Hoa Lu Festival remains a symbolic reminder of the country’s origins and the significance of its first capital.

Key Rituals and Ceremonies

At the heart of the Hoa Lu Festival are the solemn rituals that pay tribute to the kings and heroes of the Dinh and Le dynasties. The most important of these is the procession to the temples dedicated to Dinh Tien Hoang and Le Dai Hanh, located within the ancient capital complex. Local officials, monks, and residents, dressed in traditional costumes, carry offerings of incense, flowers, and symbolic items to the temples, where prayers are said to honor the spirits of the emperors.

In 2024, this procession once again captivated visitors with its colorful pageantry and deep spiritual significance. It is a moment of reverence, where participants show their respect for the ancestors and leaders who defended the land from invaders and established Vietnam’s sovereignty.

Other key rituals include water-pulling ceremonies, which symbolize the agricultural heritage of the region, and fire-worshipping rituals, believed to invoke protection and prosperity for the community. These ancient customs, passed down through generations, are carefully preserved and performed each year as part of the festival’s spiritual legacy.

Cultural Performances and Folk Games

In addition to the religious ceremonies, the Hoa Lu Festival is a lively cultural celebration, featuring traditional music, dance, and theater performances. Visitors can enjoy renditions of cheo (traditional Vietnamese opera), which tells stories of the heroic deeds of the kings, as well as quan ho singing, a form of antiphonal folk singing originating from the north of Vietnam.

A highlight of the 2024 festival was the reenactment of historical battles, where performers in full costume recreate the military victories of the Dinh and Le dynasties. These dramatic performances, featuring swordplay, archery, and traditional martial arts, bring to life the era of Vietnam’s early rulers, offering spectators a glimpse into the past.

Traditional folk games and competitions are also a major part of the festival. Tug-of-war, human chess, and wrestling matches draw large crowds, with both participants and onlookers sharing in the excitement. These activities are not only entertaining but also reinforce the sense of community and shared heritage that define the Hoa Lu Festival.

Hoa Lu in 2024: A Focus on Heritage and Tourism

In 2024, the Hoa Lu Festival is expected to attract even more visitors, as interest in Vietnam’s cultural heritage continues to grow. Local authorities have worked to enhance the experience for tourists by improving infrastructure and offering more guided tours of the ancient capital site, where visitors can explore the temples, pagodas, and palaces that once made up this historic city.

Special exhibitions and events were held to highlight the history of Hoa Lu and its importance as Vietnam’s first capital. These include displays of ancient artifacts, traditional crafts, and historical documents that provide deeper insight into the lives and reigns of the Dinh and Le kings.

The festival also placed a strong emphasis on promoting sustainable tourism. With the increasing number of visitors, there is a growing awareness of the need to protect the cultural and natural environment of Hoa Lu and its surrounding areas, such as the Trang An Landscape Complex. Efforts to preserve the historical integrity of the site and minimize the impact of tourism was at the forefront of the 2024 event.

Culinary Delights of Hoa Lu

No Vietnamese festival is complete without its unique culinary offerings, and the Hoa Lu Festival is no exception. In 2024, food stalls once again lined the streets, offering visitors a taste of Ninh Binh’s local delicacies. Specialties such as cơm cháy (crispy rice), thịt dê (mountain goat meat), and nem Yên Mạc (fermented pork rolls) are just some of the dishes that reflect the region’s distinct flavors.

The festival is an excellent opportunity for food lovers to sample authentic northern Vietnamese cuisine, prepared using traditional methods and local ingredients. For many visitors, enjoying these dishes while taking in the vibrant atmosphere of the festival is one of the highlights of the experience.

A Celebration of Unity and Identity

The Hoa Lu Festival has always been more than just a historical commemoration—it is a celebration of national unity and identity. In 2024, this theme  was even more prominent, as the festival serves as a reminder of Vietnam’s long struggle for independence and the enduring spirit of its people. The festival brings together not only the local community but also visitors from all over the country and abroad, creating a shared sense of pride in Vietnam’s rich cultural and historical heritage.

Duy Linh