Hanoi: Ancient pig procession festival revived

As tradition dictates, the people of La Phu Commune in Hoai Duc District, on the outskirts of Hanoi, gather at midnight on the 13th day of the first Lunar New Year [February 10 this year] to honor their tutelary god with a sacred ceremony.

The highlight of the event is the procession of "Mr Pigs", which are brought to the communal house as offerings in a heartfelt tribute to the guardian spirit of their land.

Villagers say this funky festival is held to commemorate General Tam Lang, who lived during the reign of Hung Due Vuong, or the 18th generation of Hung kings. The noble general earned great merit by defeating the enemy and bringing peace and prosperity to the villagers.

The talented general passed away at midnight on the 13th day of the first lunar month. Since then, the people of La Phu Commune have celebrated the Pig Procession Festival on the anniversary of his death.

The people of La Phu spend many days preparing for the procession. Photos: Duy Khanh/The Hanoi Times

On the eve of the event, every corner of the village is buzzing with activity.

A folkloric performance is held to celebrate this important event in the village.

In this year's procession, 17 pigs are offered to the saint by villagers from all 17 hamlets in the commune.

The offerings, carefully prepared by the locals, include a pig, steamed sticky rice, flowers, and fruit.

A suitable worshipping pig must have a strong body, long snout, large ears, white skin and weigh over 220kg.

Six of the most beautiful pigs are chosen to be brought into the main hall of La Phu temple for the offering ceremony, while the remaining 11 are placed in the outer room.

The pigs are carried in palanquins by selected young men from the village.

At midnight, the village elders begin a ritual that lasts until 2am the next day.  After the ceremony, the pork is shared among the families of the village, symbolizing good luck for all.