What is the Du Tien Festival?
The Du Tien Festival is a cultural and sporting event held every two years during Tet in Hue’s rural villages. It blends solemn rituals, lively folk games, and the thrilling bamboo-swing flag-grabbing contest that draws large crowds of locals. Beyond the entertainment, the festival symbolizes unity, community pride, and collective prayers for prosperity, good weather, and abundant harvests.
When and where is Du Tien Festival Held?
Location
The heart of the Du Tien Festival is Gia Vien Village in Phong Dien District, about an hour’s drive from Hue city. Smaller versions of the festival are also celebrated in nearby villages such as Quang Tho (Quang Dien District) and Dien Hoa (Phong Dien District). Keep in mind that this is a genuine local village festival, deeply rooted in tradition, rather than a large tourist-oriented event.
Date
The festival takes place on the 4th day of Tet (Lunar New Year) and is organized every two years. Since the Lunar New Year follows the lunar calendar, the date shifts annually but generally falls in late January or February. Travelers planning to attend should check the year’s Tet calendar in advance to align their visit with the festival.
Highlights of the Du Tien Festival
1. Opening Ceremony
The festival begins with a solemn ritual led by the village elder, dressed in a traditional ao dai and ceremonial headdress. At the sound of the first drumbeat, incense and offerings are made to honor the village’s founding deities and to bless the celebrations that follow.
2. Preparing the Bamboo Swings
Weeks before the festival, organizers carefully select two tall, straight, and sturdy bamboo poles. These are erected in the communal courtyard, topped with fluttering flags, and secured with thick ropes to ensure the safety of participants during the contest.
3. The Flag-Grabbing Contest
The centerpiece of the festival is the thrilling flag-grabbing contest, featuring 30 young men chosen from the village and neighboring communities. Contestants swing higher and higher in a knockout-style competition, each striving to touch or seize the red flag at the peak. Unlike many games, Du Tien awards five prizes: one for the highest swing, first to third place for subsequent touches, and a special “breaker” prize for tearing the flag from its pole.
4. Swinging for Couples
Alongside the men’s contest, the festival also includes a lighter, playful game for couples. Young men and women pair up on the swings, creating a graceful and often flirtatious spectacle. Traditionally, this was a way for youths to meet during Tet; today, it remains a favorite activity for both locals and tourists, with the flowing ao dai adding to the festival’s photogenic charm.
5. Community Atmosphere
Beyond the contests, the Du Tien Festival thrives on its vibrant atmosphere. Crowds cheer loudly with every daring swing, filling the courtyard with festive energy. Around the event, small stalls sell snacks, handicrafts, and souvenirs, adding to the local flavor. For villagers, it is a moment of unity and renewal, while visitors gain a rare glimpse into Hue’s traditional Tet celebrations.
Practical visiting tips
- Timing: The festival happens only on the 4th day of Tet, so check the exact date carefully before planning your trip.
- Crowds: Expect a lively, crowded village setting with mostly locals. This is not a polished tourist festival, which is part of its charm.
- Access: The easiest way to reach the festival is from Hue city by private car or driver, since public transport is limited during Tet holidays.
- Safety: If you decide to join the swinging games, always follow the organizers’ instructions and make sure the safety ropes are secured. Women wearing ao dai or shorter skirts should take extra care.
- Money & belongings: As with many crowded festivals, keep an eye on your valuables to avoid pickpockets.
- Shopping: Souvenir stalls are common around the event. Prices may be inflated, so don’t hesitate to haggle politely.
- Photography: The festival is very photogenic, but remain respectful during ritual ceremonies and avoid blocking participants.
- Accommodation: Hue hotels can fill up during Tet, so it’s best to book your stay in advance if you want to attend the festival.
