On the morning of February 6, 2025 (the 9th day of the First Lunar Month, Year Ất Tỵ), at Ngoại Sát Communal House, the Festival Organizing Committee inaugurated the 2025 Ngoại Sát Village Festival.
Ngoại Sát Village (now Vạn Lộc Hamlet), located in Xuân Canh Commune, Đông Anh District, is an ancient Việt village that—according to legend—was especially favored by King An Dương Vương. He bestowed upon it the name “Ngoại Sát” and granted the villagers the authority to supervise and control access, forbidding anyone from entering the Citadel without permission. Some other accounts suggest that “Ngoại Sát” was a place designated for punishing offenders. This area played a crucial role in protecting the western side of Cổ Loa Citadel. As one of the Bát xã Loa Thành (Cổ Loa, Ngoại Sát, Đài Bi, Văn Thượng, Cầu Cả, Mạch Tràng, Thư Cưu, Sằn Giã), the people of Ngoại Sát contributed manpower and resources alongside the king to build ramparts, defend against foreign invaders, expand the territory, and help the Âu Lạc State flourish.

Festival Space of Ngoại Sát Village

Festival Drum Dance

Ritual Offerings Ceremony

Female Ceremonial Offering Team

The Ngoại Sát Village Festival reflects the close inter-village connection associated with the history of the Âu Lạc State during the reign of King An Dương Vương. The joint celebration by the Bát xã hộ nhi demonstrates the enduring vitality of the village community, enhancing cultural values, preserving traditional customs, and strengthening unity among the people through the festival.