Cat Hai land not only has beautiful beaches and ancient villages, but also has unique traditional festivals, of which the most famous activity is Xa Ma Festival - Palanquin procession of Hoang Chau Communal House.
Hoang Chau Communal House was built about 300 years ago. Every year, to commemorate this event, the local people organize Xa Ma Festival - Palanquin procession from June 9th to June 12th of the lunar calendar.
The local people and tourists were eager to attend Xa Ma Festival - Palanquin procession
Xa Ma Festival, also known as the wooden horse-drawing competition, demonstrates soldier training in the past. The name "Xa Ma" refers to the chariots made entirely of wood from the frames, the war horses to the four wheels. The competition is usually divided into two teams (East team and West team), and each team consists of 12-15 people.
Two teams were competing to pull Xa Ma
When competing, the two teams will control Xa Ma to run in the opposite direction, following the circle of the communal house courtyard. The East team will control the chariot to run to the West and vice versa. The team that completes three laps first will win the game. If any team touches the line or causes damage to Xa Ma, members of their team as well as the competitor team will lose the game.
In addition to Xa Ma, the palanquin procession is also an activity not to be missed for visitors. This is a unique and spiritual activity. The palanquin is carried by selected young men who are unmarried and not mourned. In the sacred moments, the sacred throne palanquins suddenly move as quickly as flash over the courtyard and around the village like an awe-inspiringly powerful phenomenon.
The Palanquin procession ceremony
Xa Ma Festival - Palanquin procession of Hoang Chau Communal House was recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2017.