The Giong festival is celebrated every year in Phu Linh Commune. Soc Son District, Ha Noi. This festival commemorates the hero, Saint Giong. He is considered a mythical hero because he grew from a three-year-old child into a giant overnight. He is worshipped for defending the country from foreign invaders — the An.
Although this festival is held from the 6th to the 12th day of the 4th lunar month, people start preparing traditional clothing for the procession and for various festival performances one month beforehand. During the festival, the procession starts at the Mother Temple and goes to Thuong Temple where a religious ceremony is performed. When night falls, a cheo play is performed. Then the festivities end with a thanksgiving procession on the 12th.
This festival shows our love for the motherland and the preservation of our cultural heritage.
