Hoa My Village Festival – Traditional Cultural Beauty in the Heart of Da Nang City

Hoa My village festival is not only an annual cultural event, but also a living heritage reflecting the history, beliefs, and community cohesion of the local people. The origin of the festival traces back over 400 years ago and was officially documented in 1825 during the reign of King Minh Mang (the 5th year), when Hoa My village still belonged to Dien Ban prefecture, Quang Nam province – currently Hoa Minh ward, Lien Chieu district, Da Nang city.

Originally, the festival was associated with the Hoa My Communal House – an ancient structure built in the 17th century, worshipping the Village Guardian Spirit (Thanh Hoang Bon Canh) and the ancestors and martyrs who reclaimed and developed this land. Overcoming the vicissitudes of time and war, the festival was interrupted for many years. In 1994, it was revived to the great joy of local residents, not only to preserve the folk spirit, but also to rekindle solidarity through the movement “Clans with Neighborhood Groups”.

More than 30 years after its revival, the Hoa My festival has become a municipal-level historical and cultural relic of Da Nang city, attracting thousands of tourists and hometown expatriates returning every season. This is not only a place to commemorate ancestors, but also proof of the enduring vitality of Vietnamese village culture, still shining and echoing amidst the vibrant rhythm of modern urban life.

The centerpiece of the Hoa My village festival is the spirit of "when drinking water, remember the source; when eating fruit, remember the person who planted the tree"—a simple folk philosophy deeply imbued with humanity, cherished and preserved across generations. Each festival season is not only an occasion for clan descendants to gather, reflect on the past year, and set goals for the new year, but also a vivid lesson in gratitude, recalling the contributions of ancestors and those who sacrificed to build the land of Hoa My today.

Beyond its spiritual values, the Hoa My festival carries profound community significance. It is an opportunity for families, neighborhood groups, and social organizations to connect and foster solidarity, the key factor creating the sustainable strength of Vietnamese villages. Amid Da Nang's rapid urbanization, the festival serves as a slow breath, helping residents rediscover the cultural identity of Quang Nam – Da Nang amidst modern life.

The Hoa My village festival is held annually on the 12th day of the first lunar month (usually falling in February of the solar calendar), lasting about a day and a half, with two main parts: the solemn ritual part and the vibrant festive part. Despite being located in the middle of a bustling urban area, the festival atmosphere retains an ancient, authentically Vietnamese charm, with colorful flags and flowers lining Nguyen Huy Tuong Street leading to the communal house. 

The Ceremonial Part: Solemn and Deeply Religious

The ceremonial part is held on the morning of the main festival day, strictly adhering to traditional rituals handed down through generations:

• Preliminary and main worship ceremonies: Representatives of clans offer incense and offerings to the Village Guardian Spirit and ancestors, showing respect and gratitude for their contributions to founding the village.
• Ceremony to pray for national peace and prosperity: A white dove release ritual from the communal yard, sending prayers for peace, prosperity, and tranquility for the homeland.
• Incense offering ceremony at the martyrs' cemetery: A solemn, emotional moment to remember the children of Hoa My who sacrificed for the Fatherland.

These rituals not only possess spiritual value but also serve as a moral lesson and tradition of "remembering the source when drinking water," helping participants further appreciate the past and be mindful of their responsibility to the future.

The Festive Part: Vibrant, Colorful, and Community-Bonding

If the ceremonial part carries sacred tones, the festive part is where joy, solidarity, and characteristic folk spirits spread.

• Folk games: Tug-of-war, pot-smashing, cockfighting—games that evoke village memories, bringing ringing laughter and team spirit.
• Skills competitions: Flower arranging, traditional cake making (banh dap, banh uot), calligraphy, cross-country running, and health-exercise performances. 
• Artistic performances: Bai Choi singing—an intangible cultural heritage of Quang Nam, alongside classical Tuong drama excerpts, song and dance, and modern performances, creating a harmony between past and present.
• Country food market: Visitors can enjoy rustic delicacies like Mi Quang, seasoned fish sauce noodles (bun mam nem), savory pancakes (banh xeo), and grilled rice paper (banh trang nuong), as if relishing the flavors of an old village right in the heart of the city.

All blend together, creating a vibrant cultural picture where people meet, share, and preserve traditions together. The Hoa My village festival is not just a joyful day, but also a symbol of solidarity, pride, and faith in the lasting values of Vietnamese culture.

Participating in the Hoa My Da Nang festival is quite easy, especially if you are traveling in the city. The festival is free and open to everyone, taking place at Hoa My Communal House (address: Hoa My Quarter, Hoa Minh Ward, Lien Chieu District). You can arrive the day before to admire the decorations with flags and flowers, or pre-register for activities such as cross-country running through the local organizing committee.

Notes when attending:

• Attire: Dress politely and comfortably to easily participate in games (avoid overly tight clothing).
• Transportation: Use a motorbike or taxi from central Da Nang (about 10-15km), and park in designated areas to avoid traffic congestion.
• Safety: The festival is crowded, so please maintain cleanliness, refrain from pushing, and respect the ceremonial rituals.
• Weather: February is usually chilly, so bring a light jacket and sunscreen.

For culture lovers, this is a golden opportunity to "live" in an authentic village atmosphere right in the middle of the city.

More than just a folk festival, Hoa My is also a “symphony” between tradition and modernity, where cultural values are preserved and reborn in the form of a dynamic young city. It stands as testament to the fierce vitality of national culture—even as time changes, the village soul, neighborhood affection, morality, and human hearts remain intact. And perhaps that is what makes the Hoa My village festival not only a source of pride for the people of Hoa Minh, but also an emotional touchpoint for anyone who loves Vietnamese culture, where we find ourselves in the continuation between past and present, memory and future.