Hoa Lu Festival 2026's Water procession

Attending the event were Tran Dang Quynh, alternative member of Central Party committee, Vice Secretary of provincial party committee; Tran Song Tung, Standing Vice Chairman of provincial people’s committee; leaders of Department of Culture and Sports, local authority and hundreds of attendees.

The procession ritual witnessed processionists holding colourful flags, musicians, drummers, palanquin carriers, village elders and a man playing the role of King Dinh Tien Hoang.

Early in the morning, the delegation started from the King Dinh Tien Hoang Temple and headed to the Hoang Long River.

Water taken from the river was brought back to the temple as an offering made during a ceremonial prayer for peace, favourable weather conditions, bumper crops and prosperity for local people.

The water procession ritual is performed annually to remind of the tale of a yellow turtle emerging from the Hoang Long river to rescue Dinh Bo Linh (later King Dinh Tien Hoang) who ran away from his uncle's sword.

After taking the thrown, the water procession ritual was performed annually by King Dinh Tien Hoang to show his gratitude to the yellow turtle, and to show his wishes for a peaceful and prosperous life for local people, and bumper crops.

The water procession is one of the important rituals of the traditional Hoa Lu Festival.

A series of activities is taking place during the three days long festival, including traditional rituals, culture, sport activities and art programmes.