Giong Festival 2025 in Vietnam

One of the four immortals of Vietnam, Saint Giong is commemorated for his part in defending the country from foreign enemies.

Giong Festival Traditions

The processions take part in on the 6th-8th days of the first lunar month at Soc Temple, where he has risen to heaven, and on the 8th-9th days of the fourth lunar month at Phu Dong Temple, where the saint was born. The festivals in both temples were recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of mankind.

Key highlights of the festival include ceremonial processions, reenactments of Saint Gióng's battles, and offerings to commemorate his contributions. Activities often involve traditional music, dance performances, and rituals that emphasize the cultural and historical significance of the festival. It is not only a celebration but also a way to preserve Vietnamese folklore and traditions.

Legend About Saint Giong

A legend tells of a childless couple who lived in a small village. One day, the wife saw a huge footprint on the ground. Curious, she placed her foot inside it to see how many times her own foot could fit. The next day, she discovered she was pregnant.

The baby was born not after 9 months, but 12. The boy grew strong, but he neither spoke, laughed, nor cried. When he turned 3 years old, their country was attacked by enemies. The king ordered his people to raise an army. It was then that the boy spoke for the first time, asking a messenger to tell the king that, if provided with an iron horse, a stick, and armor, he would drive the invaders away.

By the time the messenger returned with the items, the boy had grown to resemble a 20-year-old man. He rode to battle, and the enemy retreated to their homeland. After the victory, the boy and his horse ascended the mountain known as Sok. He bowed to his parents and the villagers before riding his horse to the heavens, never to be seen again.