Festival Hue: Revive The Folk Traditions

No matter how much Hue has been shaped by its imperial history and the rapid modernization of the 21st century, it remains a city rich in simplicity, childhood memories, and folk traditions. Each Hue Festival aims to celebrate and revive these enduring practices, hosting numerous events that breathe life into these intangible cultural values. It serves not only as a performance but also as a poignant reminder of the lifestyles and joys of its people.

Kite-flying Festival

For one week during the biannual festival, the skies above Hue are adorned with vibrant kites. Kite flying is a cherished activity among Vietnamese children, who delight in the colorful and intricately shaped kites that soar above. During the sunny and breezy days of summer, Ngo Mon Square transforms into a bustling arena of kite enthusiasts.

Hue's kite running fest evokes childhood memories for many

This festival also showcases the remarkable kite-making and flying skills of Hue's artisans, featuring impressive creations such as 100-meter dragon kites. Visitors are encouraged to participate and try their hand at flying a kite, making for a memorable experience.

Thanh Toan Village Market Fair

The Thanh Toan Village Market Fair offers a glimpse into the heart of local community life. Situated near the renowned Thanh Toan Roofed Tile Bridge, this market features regional products and popular dishes from Hue. A visit to the adjacent agricultural tools museum provides insight into traditional farming practices and the significance of wet rice cultivation, complete with displays of plows, sickles, hoes, rice-hulling mills, and beautiful woven souvenirs.

Thanh Toan Bridge serves as a gathering space for villagers

The highlight of the “Rural Market on Festive Days” is the lively games that embody the spirit of community. Children and adults alike can partake in traditional games such as “bai choi” (singing card game), “co nguoi” (human chess), and “da ga” (cockfighting), creating a vibrant atmosphere of fun and connection.

Paper Flower Making - Thanh Tien Village

The next destinations to evoke nostalgia are Thanh Tien and Phuoc Tich Villages. Thanh Tien is renowned for its exquisite craft of making paper flowers. These elegant, colorful blooms remind many of the festive atmosphere leading up to Tet, as they adorn homes and streets. The enduring art of paper flower making continues to thrive amidst competition from plastic alternatives, deeply rooted in traditional beliefs.

Thanh Tien Village is famous for its paper craft

Visitors may also appreciate the beautifully arranged paper flowers in painter Than Van Huy's garden during the Hue Festivals, providing a quaint artistic retreat from the bustle of daily life.

Ancient Village of Phuoc Tich

The final stop is Phuoc Tich Old Village, an impressive site for historians and culture enthusiasts alike. This village boasts 27 ancient houses that have withstood the tests of time, including harsh weather, economic challenges, and historical upheavals. The “ruong” houses museum offers a rich exploration of traditional Vietnamese architecture and provides insights into rural life in the past.

Phuoc Tich Village showcases traditional Hue architecture

Whereas Hoi An once thrived as a bustling commercial port in the early 16th century, Phuoc Tich represents the quintessential village of Northern Central Vietnam, featuring communal houses, pagodas, temples, ancestral altars, village wells, ancient trees, and lush gardens.

True to the spirit of folk culture, many of these events are free for tourists, allowing everyone to participate without an entrance fee. While visiting Hue during the festival season, seize the opportunity to witness the authentic spirit of Vietnamese people, the serene rural landscapes of rice paddies, and the harmonious life of the villages that coexist with nature and one another.