Time: 11th to the 15th day of the first lunar month.
Place: Lao Cai City, Lao Cai Province.
Objects of worship: Tran Hung Dao.
Characteristics: A palanquin procession, tug of war contest, wrestling contest, and còn throwing, sticks pushing, no (arbalest) shooting.
Thuong Temple is located on the Hoa Hieu Hill, Lao Cai City, dedicated
to Tran Hung Dao - the famous general of Tran Dynasty. He commanded the
Dai Viet troops defensive in Lao Cai in 1257. The spring festival is
organized at the cutural center of Lao Cai Ward and Thuong and Mau
Temples. The ceremonies include the opening festival, processions of
the Holy Mother and Thien hau Nuong; worshipping ceremony takes place
on the 14th day, thanksgiving ceremony is on the 15th day to pray for
peaceful and prosperous things to everyone. It involves traditional
singing and dancing performances and mountainous ethnic games: con
throwing, arbalest shooting, tug of war, stick pushing, wrestle, cocks
fighting, swinging... The spring festival is alco displayed brocade
souvernirs, local goods which are made by girls of the Mong, the Dao,
the Thai...
