Four festivals celebrated in four villages fell of the life and combat of Giong, the legendary hero who drove out the northern An invaders: Phu Dong festival celebrating Giong’s birth, childhood, and departure for war: Xuan Dinh festival celebrating Giong’s stop off for a drink; Soc Son festival celebrating Giong’s post victory flight to the sky with his iron horse; and Chi Nam festival celebrating the return of the hero to Earth to save the people from a sea monster. The biggest festival is that of Phu Dong village (Gia Lam, Hanoi) which begins on the 9th day of the 4th lunar month. Hundreds of people are mobilized for the re-enactment of the battle against the An. Participants, mainly women disguised as An warriors and commanding officers (hieu), are carefully selected and subjected to strict disciplinary measures. On the 6th day of the 4th month, a procession carries water from the well in front of the temple of the Holy Mother (den Mau) to Giong temple. On the 9th day of the same month, songs and sacred dances of Ai Lao precinct (phuong) are performed during the ceremony of the sacrifice.
Afterwards, the oriflamme dance is performed, symbolizing the development of the battle. On the 10th, 11th and 12th days of the same month, the ceremonies of flags, victory and sacrifice are dedicated to the Heaven and the Earth. There are many popular performances. Phu Dong Festival ranks among the most important folk festivals.
