The Pig Procession of La Phu Village

(CPV) - Every year on the 13th day of the first lunar month, residents of La Phu village, Hoai Duc district (Hanoi) jubilantly celebrate the Pig Procession - An ancient traditionally ritual in this area.

The Pig Procession began as a form of entertaining the army of the Great Holy Tam Lang, a Minister of the 18th Hung King. Then, La Phu villagers worship him as the tutelary god of the village. The festival is part of the unique traditional culture of the village, and a way to wish every spring for a plentiful year and peace.

According to tradition, the selection and breeding of pigs is a rigorous process. The pigs to be sacrificed this year were chosen last year and were raised by the most skilled farmers in the village.

Early in the morning of the 13th day of the first lunar month, the pigs are brought to the house of a host family in each hamlet to be butchered. Then the hamlets send the pigs to the communal house for the ceremony.

In pictures: Decorating for "Mr Pig", nearly 200 kg, at Nguyen Van Loc home, Minh Khai hamlet

At the grounds of communal house, visitors are immersed in many folk activities of traditional culture

This year, La Phu village has more than 10 hamlets, each hamlet choose a "Mr pig" for the procession, usually each pig’s weight is about 200-250kg

At around 6pm, the "Mr pigs" are carried on a golden palanquin in the procession to the communal house

The procession in the ancient ritual with trumpets, drums and musical instruments leading the way

The sky is darker, the crowds of people flock to attend the festival

Although this ritual is well known, the villagers are still eager to see the pigs firsthand

The 6 "Mr. Pigs” entering first will be placed in a sacred spot near the primary altar

The Pigs are presented with honour in the village. The ceremony starts from 11pm and continues to 1am the following day