Opening Ceremony of the Vĩnh Khê Village Wrestling Festival, An Đồng Ward 2025 – A National Intangible Cultural Heritage Festival
On the morning of February 4, at the Vĩnh Khê Communal House National Historical Site, An Dương District held the 2025 “Vĩnh Khê Village Wrestling Festival” in An Đồng Ward. The event was attended by leaders of the Hai Phong Department of Tourism, An Dương District, wrestling teams from various provinces, and a large number of local residents.
The "Vĩnh Khê Village Wrestling Festival" is held annually at the Vĩnh Khê Communal House, a national architectural and artistic heritage site. Originating in the 14th century during the Trần Dynasty, the festival is deeply rooted in the martial spirit fostered by the village’s two tutelary gods, who trained soldiers in martial arts to defend the nation. After the villagers built a shrine to honor them, the festival was established to commemorate and express gratitude to the two gods — Lord Vũ Dao and Lord Vũ Sào — who were virtuous, patriotic generals credited with aiding the poor and transforming Vĩnh Khê into a prosperous and peaceful village.
The wrestling festival is traditionally held over the first three days of the Lunar New Year, with the main event on the 7th day of the first lunar month. It has become a long-standing cultural tradition, deeply ingrained in the local consciousness and passed down through generations.
The Vĩnh Khê Village Wrestling Festival is a cultural gem of the Red River Delta, celebrating the spirit of martial arts and promoting physical fitness for national defense and development. The festival features solemn rituals and meaningful folk games tied to the legends of the village's patron gods. It embodies the humanistic spirit and unique cultural identity of the Vĩnh Khê people and reflects their respect for ancestors who established and protected the village. With its distinctive features, the festival attracts people of all backgrounds from within and outside the city.
One special aspect of the festival is its inclusiveness—regardless of age or rank, young men can challenge national wrestling champions, and visitors can participate in matches with locals. The festival revives the traditional customs of An Dương, a land rich in martial spirit and revolutionary legacy, and fosters national solidarity. It is a precious cultural heritage that meets spiritual and cultural needs while promoting traditional values.
In recognition of its cultural significance, on September 11, 2017, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism officially recognized the “Vĩnh Khê Village Wrestling Festival” as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Promoting traditional cultural identity, the Spring 2025 Wrestling Festival of Vĩnh Khê Village attracted 10 athlete delegations, including the Vĩnh Khê Martial Arts and Wrestling Club, with nearly 40 wrestlers from sports centers and clubs in Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Bac Ninh, Hai Phong, and five urban and rural districts within the city competing for top honors.
The festival is maintained to preserve and promote traditional cultural values, honoring the martial spirit of Vĩnh Khê and offering a chance for villagers to pay tribute to their sacred ancestors. Offerings made from the people’s own labor are presented, praying for national peace and prosperity, favorable weather, and well-being and happiness for all families.
Visitors to the festival can enjoy folk games, cultural and artistic performances rich in ethnic identity, and visit the scenic communal house to offer incense and prayers for health, peace, and luck. Through the festival, community creativity and unity are strengthened, while connections and cultural promotion are expanded, showcasing the culture of An Dương District to other provinces and localities across the country.