Giong Festival opens in Hanoi

The Gióng Festival includes several symbolic activities, such as Saint Statue bathing, a procession, an incense offering, and elephant and horse transformation.

The procession is the most important activity. According to the tradition, people offer bamboo flowers, paper elephants and horses, and other objects related to Saint Giong.

"The village in charge of the procession has to prepare during the previous year. Especially before the Lunar New Year, it is bustling. I can feel the festive atmosphere every year." - Nguyen Van Dan, Soc Son District, Hanoi.

The Gióng festival symbolises the hope of peace and prosperity. It has attracted both local people and visitors.

The Gióng Festival is held in several places in Hanoi. Among those, Sóc Temple, where the Saint flew to heaven, and Phù Đổng Temple, where the Saint was born, are the two most significant places. The two festivals were recognised as intangible cultural heritages by UNESCO in 2010.

"We will continue to fulfill commitments with UNESCO to preserve and promote the festival’s values. We will also make regular reports to ensure security during the festival." - Le Huu Thang, Vice Chairman, People's Committee, Soc Son District, Hanoi.

The festival will take place over the course of three days, until the 8^th day of the Lunar New Year.