Held in Nam Truc and Vu Ban District, Nam Dinh Province, Vieng Market festival is launched on the annual 8th day of the first lunar month, only once in a year, when people have just finished their Tet (Lunar New Year) holiday. When Does Vieng Market Festival Take Place? (source: tuoitrethudo.com.vn) The market opens on the 8th of January; nevertheless, the most spiritual moment falls on the night of the 7th and early 8th. That is the moment of heavenly-earthly, positive-negative exchange. According to the popular belief, at the time, men and Gods could reach together and all the prayers could be perceived more clearly. Trade could at the time take place smoothly. Consequently, there are 40,000-50,000 people coming to the market on the night of 7th alone. The market on the night of 7th is called “Cho am phu” (Hades Market). There are about 10,000-12,000 people coming to the market on the following 8th. The market-goers not only just enjoy the market atmosphere but also bring along the feeling toward Mother, praying for fortune and favourable nature, rich crops, happy family. They buy and sell just for aspiration at luck in the rest of the year. What are Activities at Vieng Market Festival? Vieng market is actually typical to an agricultural countryside that is rich in natural products, a kind of radiant open-air “fair” produced by the local farmers, especially ornamental plants, speciality crops, subtle craft articles, utensils, bronze and iron-made tools, etc. This spring market displays handicraft products, antiquities and false antiquities, utensils, tools for agriculture production, and many kinds of ornamental plants. Specialities are barbecued beef and “bánh dày” (sticky rice cake). The cheapest things at Vieng would be flowers and trees, which bring both the buyer and seller happiness and luck. Each year, a lot of Vietnamese people flock to this crowded market to purchase at least one item at midnight on the 7th day with an aim to get luck without caring about the prices. From around 2a.m, deals are done under the light of candles or flash-lights. Deals are agreed quickly, as people believe, to keep the luck. From 6a.m, local people bring farming tools such as hoes and sickles to sell, which relate closely to their lives. Buyers believe that the tools will bring them health and richness. Vieng market is also a place to relax. Lovers would find themselves or their happy future here. Above all, everyone visiting the market just wish to buy the burnt veal at any cost, which is considered the indispensable gift from the market and bliss from fair of the Vieng market-goers. Accordingly, although the Vu Ban residents travelled anywhere, they just thought of the folk-song as a reminder: “Enjoying New Year’s day at home on the 1st Engaging sports festival at communal house on the 2nd Going to Qua Linh market on the 4th Then Trinh market on 5th and Goi market on 6th The following 7th is just for rest Packing and travelling to Vieng market on 8th Because it just takes place once a year.” Vieng Market Festival is truly a cultural and spiritual activity of the inhabitants in Nam Dinh. If you have a chance to visit this beautiful province, do not miss a chance to join Vieng Market Festival as you may be amazed by how joyful and special it is. Share: Most Popular Ba Vi National Park, Hanoi Bat Trang Ceramic Village in Hanoi Hung King Temple Festival, Phu Tho Ba Be National Park, Bac Kan How Many Days in Hanoi is Enough?
