Bắc Ninh
The beauty of tug-of-war festival in Huu Chap village
BAC NINH – Huu Chap, formerly known as Ke Chap, is an ancient village located on the southern bank of the Cau River. Today, it is a neighborhood in Kinh Bac ward, Bac Ninh province. Every year, after the busy Tet holiday, villagers celebrate their traditional festival on the fourth day of the first lunar month. It is widely known as the Tug-of-War Festival.
Like many other traditional festivals, Huu Chap’s festival consists of two main parts: ceremonial rituals and festivities.
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The tug of war festival in Huu Chap village. |
Preparations for the rituals begin a month before the event. On the morning of the fourth, a water-fetching ceremony is held before the official rituals begin. Selected young, unmarried men carry a palanquin containing jars to the riverbank, where four youths—two men and two women—take a boat into the middle of the river to fetch sacred water. This water is then brought back to the communal house for offerings.
In the afternoon, the highlight of the festival—the tug-of-war contest—takes place. According to legend, Huu Chap men were traditionally employed to tow heavy timber along riverbanks.
Known for their exceptional strength, they often succeeded where others failed, earning trust and admiration. This physical tradition evolved into the annual tug-of-war as a celebration of strength and labor.
The event is meticulously organized. Weeks before the festival, the village selects two sturdy bamboo trees—free of pests and from households not in mourning—to craft the tugging poles. Once finished, the bamboo ropes are placed at the communal house as offerings. On the day of the event, the ropes are lowered during a ceremonial rite and the game begins.
Young male villagers are divided into two teams—East and West. Following traditional rites and drum signals, four flag-bearers lead the teams to pay respects to the village deity and greet the community.
After a series of drum rolls, the tugging begins. The contest consists of three rounds. In the first two rounds, no external help is allowed; in the final round, anyone is free to join and support their preferred team.
Although timber hauling along the Cau River has long vanished, the villagers of Huu Chap continue to maintain the tug-of-war tradition. More than a festive game, it is a way to preserve heritage and inspire future generations to value physical fitness and the spirit of hard work.
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