Xuan Pha Dance listed in the National ICH List in 2016\nThe Xuan Pha performance is a Vietnamese folk tradition held every lunar February in Xuan Pha village. It serves as a blessing to the people and expresses gratitude to the guardian deity who watches over farming activities. Legend has it that Dinh Bo Linh achieved peace with the help of the deity Xuan Pha when chieftains were trying to divide the country. This became the origin of the village festival. The performance includes five different dance segments, each simulating the dances of five nations, paying tribute to the King of Dai Viet (modern-day Viet Nam). Most of the props used in the performance are made from materials obtained from nature, and the performers sing of a peaceful, happy, and idyllic life.

Tug-of-war ground setting before the game started.

Dong Nhat team on the ground

When the cord got burnt

Certification of Recognition awarded for four teams of Huong Canh Tug-of-War festival in 2013.

According to custom, tug-lof-war of Huu Chap village are implemented three times. The team of the east side wins for the first competition, the team of the west side wins for the second competition, and for the third competition, all the visitors join and support the contenders of the West side team to gain victory. It is believed that a win from the team of the east side will bring favourable weather and therefore a good havest because it is the direction of the sunrise.

Gathering before get into a tug-of-war match

Leaning on the stake to reinforce their tugging strength

Herbal warm water was used to soften players' hands

The rope is now removed from the communal house to the playground to start tug-of-war.

The team from the east (the direction of the sunrise) customarily wins the game, representing the beliefs for favorable weather and a bumper harvest.\n

Cord and ironwood stake at tug-of-war ground.