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Discover the Cau Bong Festival in Hoi An within a 500-year-old vegetable village

The Cau Bong Festival in Hoi An is a long-standing traditional cultural event of the local people. Join us to delve into the intriguing Cau Bong Festival that has a history of over 500 years!

Administrator

22 December, 2023

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The Cau Bong Festival in Hoi An is organized annually in the vegetable village of Tra Que. With the desire to express gratitude from the villagers to Thanh Nong, who has brought favorable weather and good harvests, the Cau Bong Festival attracts a lot of attention. It is also an occasion for the community to bond. Join us in discovering the Cau Bong Festival in Hoi An in this over 500-year-old vegetable village!

1 About the Cau Bong Festival in Hoi An

About the Cau Bong Festival in Hoi An

Origin of the Cau Bong Festival

The Cau Bong Festival in Hoi An originated from a special area in the northeast of Hoi An, where centuries ago, the first settlers came to Quang Nam to build a new life. This place is ideal for growing herbs, and over the centuries, the people here have grown and developed in this profession. From this agricultural spirit, this land has been called the rustic and beloved vegetable village of Tra Que.

The daily lives of the farmers here depend on the harvest. Like many other farming villages, they have developed annual rituals and festivals to pray for a bountiful harvest. The Cau Bong Festival in Hoi An symbolizes the agricultural spirit in the vegetable village of Tra Que and Quang Nam, organized as a ritual to pray for favorable weather and prosperity for every family.

Meaning of the Cau Bong Festival in Hoi An

The Cau Bong Festival in Hoi An not only attracts many locals and tourists but also symbolizes hope and prayers for a prosperous and peaceful new year, a bountiful harvest. This festival is also an opportunity to show gratitude and honor Thanh Nong. The Cau Bong Festival also shows gratitude for the efforts of the farmers and their dedication to farming and protecting the land. For these reasons, this festival has become an important occasion to show respect and commemorate the agricultural origins of Quang Nam, praying for a year of favorable weather and peace for everyone.

2 Rituals of the Cau Bong Festival in Hoi An

Rituals of the Cau Bong Festival in Hoi An

On the main day of the Cau Bong Festival in Hoi An, early in the morning, the entire community, along with the elderly and local residents, gather at the village temple to prepare for the ceremony. A procession of two rows of flags and banners is arranged, followed by the deity’s palanquin decorated with drums, traditional music, ceremonial items, and elderly people in traditional costumes heading towards the village temple. This is a special procession ritual in the vegetable village of Tra Que. Women often wear elegant ao dai dresses and carry trays of fruits.

The Cau Bong Festival in Hoi An has great significance for the local community. Every family in the village prepares their own offering trays for the ceremony. After completing the rituals at home, the offering trays are brought to the village temple to participate in the grand ceremony.

The usual offerings in the Cau Bong Festival are products from livestock and agriculture, such as chickens and flowers. After placing the offering trays, the elders light incense and chant the “Khoi Chinh Co” incantation, marking the official start of the festival.

Once the rituals are completed, the young people in the village join forces to raise the village’s festival pole. Then, the locals and tourists participate in the festive activities. Depending on the annual theme, the festival will feature various agricultural, livestock, and crop-related competitions to honor outstanding farmers. In addition, when attending the Cau Bong Festival in Hoi An, you can also enjoy delicious local dishes such as tamarind soup, Cao Lau, and the Tam Huu dish, creating a unique culinary experience.

3 Highlights of the Cau Bong Festival in Hoi An

Highlights of the Cau Bong Festival in Hoi An

The festive part of the Cau Bong Festival in Hoi An is lively with contests such as plowing competitions, planting competitions, watering, and trimming trees. This competition not only showcases the farming skills of the people in the vegetable village of Tra Que but also reflects the hardworking and passionate labor spirit of the Vietnamese people. The winner of the competition is rewarded with ancient coins.

The Tôm Hữu cooking competition is another important part of the festival. Tôm Hữu is a signature dish of the Tra Que vegetable village when welcoming guests. The main ingredients include shrimp, boiled pork belly, fresh coriander, and spring onions. The preparation and presentation of the Tôm Hữu dish is considered an art form, and the winner is awarded a prize. This is a great opportunity to explore and savor the unique flavors of the Cau Bong Festival feast in Hoi An.

4 Tips for attending the Cau Bong Festival in Hoi An

Tips for attending the Cau Bong Festival in Hoi An

Choosing the right attire is crucial for the Cau Bong Festival. Wearing neat, long, and modest clothing shows respect for the festival and the local culture.

A fascinating experience for tourists is renting an ao dai, the traditional Vietnamese costume, near the festival area. This helps you easily immerse yourself in the festival atmosphere and enjoy the special ambiance of the event. Arrive early to choose your favorite costume and ensure you have enough time to participate in the rituals and festivities.

The Cau Bong Festival in Hoi An takes place early, so you should consider the timing to not miss any part of the festival. The Cau Bong Festival in the Tra Que vegetable village is an opportunity for descendants to connect with their ancestors and honor the traditions of “Drinking water, remember the source.” Thanks to these unique characteristics, this festival attracts a large number of tourists to Hoi An to explore. If you visit Quang Nam in January, do not miss the chance to experience this unique festival.

These are the information about the Cau Bong Festival in Hoi An in the over 500-year-old vegetable village. We hope that through this article, you will have a deeper understanding of an interesting festival and the distinctive cultural features of our homeland, Vietnam.

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Frequently asked questions

The Cau Bong Festival is an annual event held in the ancient vegetable village of Tra Que, located just outside the picturesque town of Hoi An in Central Vietnam. The festival celebrates the unique cultural and agricultural heritage of the region, with a particular focus on the traditional vegetable farming practices that have been passed down through generations.

The Cau Bong Festival is usually held in the late summer or early autumn, often in August or September. The exact dates can vary slightly from year to year, so it’s worth checking the local tourism websites or asking at your accommodation in Hoi An for the specific dates during your visit.

The Cau Bong Festival offers a range of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages. You can expect to see colorful traditional performances, such as folk music, dance, and martial arts demonstrations. There are also vegetable carving competitions, cooking demonstrations using local produce, and exhibitions of traditional crafts like basket weaving and pottery. Visitors can try their hand at farming activities, such as planting and harvesting vegetables, and even take part in a vegetable-themed costume contest.

The Cau Bong Festival is a celebration of the rich cultural and agricultural traditions of the Hoi An region. It is a way for the local community to honor their ancestors, showcase their unique heritage, and promote the importance of preserving traditional practices. The festival also serves as a platform for local farmers to sell their produce and connect with tourists, providing a boost to the local economy.

The vegetable village of Tra Que is located just a few kilometers north of Hoi An’s ancient town center. You can easily reach the festival by renting a bicycle or motorbike and following the signs to Tra Que. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or even walk if you’re feeling adventurous. It’s a pleasant journey through rural landscapes and offers a glimpse into the daily life of the local farming community.