Da Cau Cuop Phet or "Ball Kicking and Robbing Festival" in Ban Gian Commune, Lap Thach District, the nothern province of Vinh Phuc, 70 kilometers from Hanoi, is a joyful festival.   

This centuries-old tradition takes place every year on the 7th day of the Lunar New Year, or February 4 this year, and is believed to bring luck to the winner of the thrilling game.

Full of energy and excitement, the festival honors Vietnam's ancient traditions of martial arts and military preparedness. The roots of this event can be traced back to the reign of the Third Hung King (2524 - 2253 BC), when the country was facing internal turmoil and bandits roamed the land, including the Lap Thach area.

In response, the king sent four generals to govern the region, and to train their soldiers for possible foreign invasions, the generals devised a unique game. A large wooden ball, known as Qua Phet (the Ball), was made and greased before being rolled out into an open field where soldiers would fight to seize it. Those who successfully captured the ball and placed it in the designated spot would receive great rewards.

To honor the legacy of these legendary generals, the people of Lap Thach built five communal houses where the sacred balls are kept and the spirited game is played. It is believed that the lucky villager who catches the ball will be blessed with good fortune and bring good luck to the whole community for the coming year.

The festival is divided into two main parts: the ceremony and the festival. Photos: Ngoc Tu - Duy Khanh/The Hanoi Times

The ceremony includes the traditional offering of incense and processions to the village communal houses.

Meanwhile, the ball robbery game is the highlight of this exuberant festival, which attracts hundreds of young men from these four villages.

A close-up of the wooden ball.

The procession of the saint's palanquin, in which sits a mannequin dressed as a mandarin, adds a festive atmosphere to the cultural event.

The crowd cheers on the competitors, eagerly awaiting the moment when someone successfully catches the wooden ball.

Whoever touches the ball is said to be blessed with good luck for the whole year.

The festival offers a rare opportunity to experience cultural history, community spirit and excitement of a unique tradition passed down for generations.