The Cầu Cả Village Festival is one of the typical traditional festivals of the Northern Vietnamese Delta, held annually on the 11th day of the first lunar month in Cầu Cả Hamlet, Đông Anh Commune, Hanoi. It is not only an important cultural and religious occasion for the local community but also an expression of deep reverence for King An Dương Vương, the founder of the Âu Lạc State in the 3rd century BC.
Opening ceremony of the 2026 Cầu Cả Village Festival in the spring of the Year of the Horse
According to folk traditions, Cầu Cả Hamlet was formerly known as Cầu Kỳ and was once one of the eight military outposts guarding the outer perimeter of Cổ Loa Citadel, under the command of General Lý Tâm Viễn. Cầu Cả's distinctive geographical location was adjacent to the former Hoàng Giang River, where a bridge named Tháng Năm (Ngũ Nguyệt Kiều) crossed the river. This bridge is believed to be the origin of the village's present-day name, Cầu Cả. Numerous ancient place names are still preserved in the hamlet, including Cổng Xứ, Cửa Làng, Ao Dơ (also known as Bãi Đài), Đầu Chùa, Đội Lộc, Đồng Chài, Ao Lò Vôi Quan, Tờ Chỉ, Ngũ Nguyệt Kiều, Vườn Áng and Vườn Lạc. These place names help reflect the historical depth and distinctive cultural landscape of this area within the Cổ Loa historic complex.
For the people of the Cổ Loa region, the traditional folk saying, “Better to leave one's children and grandchildren behind in death than to miss the 6th day of the first lunar month in life,” affirms the special significance of the early spring festival. The 6th day of the first lunar month commemorates the enthronement of King An Dương Vương. On this occasion, the Bát xã communities hold solemn ceremonial rites at Đền Thượng in Cổ Loa. The procession and residents of Cầu Cả, together with those from Mạch Tràng and Văn Thượng villages, gather at Nghè Ba Chạ (a historical site that no longer exists), before proceeding to Cổ Loa Temple to perform the ceremonies. Under traditional ritual customs, Cầu Cả Village undertakes the role of “Phủng chúc” (carrying the ceremonial blessing), a solemn responsibility that reflects the village's important role in the overall festival.
After the main festival in Cổ Loa concludes, the villages belonging to Bát xã take turns holding their own festivals at their respective communal houses according to a prescribed schedule, continuing until the 16th day of the first lunar month. Accordingly, the Cầu Cả Village Festival is held at the village communal house on the 11th day of the first lunar month each year, carrying forward the traditional festival heritage of the entire region.
Ritual officials of Cầu Cả Village performing the ceremonial rites
The Cầu Cả Village Festival is not merely a folk religious event but also a space that strengthens community bonds, where generations of residents come together to preserve customs, practices and traditional rituals. Amid the changes of modern life, the festival continues to be maintained with solemnity and reverence, contributing to the preservation of the distinctive cultural values of the Loa Thành region – the homeland of the ancient capital in the nation's history.
CO LOA HISTORIC SITE MANAGEMENT BOARD
