Hai Ba Trung Temple Festival declared National Intangible Cultural Heritage

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has recently designated the Hai Ba Trung Temple Festival as a national intangible cultural heritage.

The festival is annually held at the Special Relic Site of the Hai Ba Trung Temple-Pagoda-Communal House Complex in Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi. A series of cultural and tourism activities are currently underway to celebrate this milestone. 

A warm welcome to Hanoi

The event will feature a mix of cultural activities that combine tradition and modernity, enriching experience for both locals and visitors to the capital city.

The festival will begin with a solemn incense offering ceremony on the morning of March 4 at Hai Ba Trung Temple on Bach Dang Wharf. That evening, the "Get on Hanoi 2025" program will kick off Hanoi's tourism season for the year, followed by the ceremony to recognize the Hai Ba Trung Temple Festival as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage on March 5. The traditional procession in honor of the Trung Sisters will take place on March 6.

Themed Sacred Milestone, the "Get on Hanoi 2025" program takes audiences on a journey through time, highlighting significant moments in Vietnam's history of nation-building and defense. The Trung Sisters Uprising will be brought to life with traditional performances enhanced by modern technology and stunning lighting effects, promising to leave a lasting impression on all attendees.

The art program unfolds in three captivating chapters: The "Sacred Ethnic Origin" reminds audiences of Vietnam's rich history; the "Convergence of Identity" celebrates Hanoi's vibrant blend of culture, innovation, and creativity; and the "Future of Hanoi" pictures a poetic yet dynamic Hanoi, navigating the tides of modernity while retaining its timeless charm.

"Get on Hanoi 2025" is the city's sincere invitation to welcome friends from around the world to experience the unique culture, breathtaking landscapes, and locals' hospitality.

The three-day event is also expected to offer visitors the chance to shop, explore calligraphy and to he (clay figurines), and take part in folk games such as dragon dance performances.

Important milestone in Vietnamese history

Looking back in history, on the sixth day of the first lunar month in 40 AD, the Trung Sisters (Trung Trac and Trung Nhi) led a mass uprising against the Han invaders to regain national independence after more than 200 years of foreign rule.

After defeating the invaders, Trung Trac proclaimed herself queen and established the country's capital in Hanoi's Me Linh District. Three years later, the Han army returned and defeated the Trung sisters and their army, leading the sisters to commit suicide by jumping into the Hat Giang or Day River.

Since then, Hai Ba Trung Festivals have been organized every year in Hanoi at three relics sites associated with the Trung Sisters, such as Hai Ba Trung Temple in Me Linh Commune, Me Linh District (where the Trung Sisters were born); Hat Mon Temple in Phuc Tho District (where the Trung Sisters committed suicide); and Dong Nhan Temple (where the Trung Sisters are commemorated).

The cultural events are held to promote the patriotism and the spirit of undaunted struggle for the national independence while honoring the Trung Sisters protecting the motherland.