"Going to the field" festival in Quang Ninh province

This year’s festival is called “Visiting the cultural heritage site of Quang Yen”. The festival originated from a farm-work initiation ceremony and a sacrifice dedicated to the God of Earth.

To Thi Thu, Secretary of the Party Committee of Phong Coc Ward where the festival takes place, said “This is a traditional festival of local people. It is important to farmers whose work depends on nature. The festival originated from these things.”

The Going to the field festival is organized on the first day of the sixth lunar month when rice seedlings begin to be transplanted. During the 2-day festival, after the official rite to worship the God of Agriculture and the Tutelary God at Coc Temple, the master of the ritual transplants the first rice seedlings in the rice field in front of the temple witnessed by all the villagers.

A pole is erected in the middle of the field to drive ghosts and devils away. Following the ritual, all households in the village are allowed to go to their fields to begin cultivation.

The selection of the master of the ritual is very important, Ms. Thu said “The master of the ritual must still have both of his parents and his children should be prosperous. In the past, this area was below sea level, so the locals lived in a harsh condition. Boat racing is a part of the festival which promotes solidarity among the residents.”

Other activities during the festival include a swimming competition in the Cua Dinh River, a folk song contest, and a rice transplanting contest.

Pham Van Thanh of Phong Coc ward said all the locals are eager for the festival and intensely prepare for the event.

“We try to preserve the ancestors’ custom which is 582 years old this year. I began to participate in the festival when I was 17. Now I’m 56. We hope the village’s festival will attract visitors from near and far and our descendants, who are doing business nationwide, will remember their roots and turn their hearts to the beloved Coc village,” said Thanh.

Bui Thi Hoi of Phong Coc ward, who participates in the boat racing, said “Farmers like us are proud because our village has a time-honored festival and we are preserving it.”