Date
Friday
Apr
18

April 18

Hung Kings Festival

Join in the reverence and joy of Hung Kings Festival, as we honor Vietnams' founding fathers with an array of colorful rituals and delicious food!

Type
Day
Category
Cultural
Country
Vietnam

Introduction

Celebrate the exciting and reverential Hung Kings Festival with us on April 18! This auspicious day has been celebrated for thousands of years in Vietnam, in remembrance of the country's earliest ancestors, the Hung Kings. These legendary rulers are said to have reigned in the Hong Bang period, dating back some 4000 years. This cherished festival offers a perfect blend of deep-seated cultural traditions marked by vibrant ceremonies, and modern-day festivities filled with gastronomical delights. It's an amazing opportunity to partake in Vietnam's rich heritage, enjoy some tasty treats, and learn about the fascinating history of this proud nation! So come along and join us in paying homage to the founding fathers of Vietnam on this remarkable day.

Hung Kings Festival Timeline

2879 BC
Reign of Hung Kings
The Hung Kings, considered the founding fathers of Vietnam, began their rule. They are credited with establishing Van Lang, the first Vietnamese state.
1010
Temple Construction Era
Many temples were constructed throughout Vietnam to honor the Hung Kings, including the Phu Tho Temple, which is a focal point for modern-day celebrations.
1278
Royal Family Participation
Under the Tran Dynasty, royal family members officially began participating in the Hung Kings Festival, strengthening its status as a significant national event.
1800s
Reaffirmation under French Rule
Despite French colonial rule, the Vietnamese people continued to celebrate the Hung Kings Festival, reaffirming their rich cultural identity and history.
2007
National Public Holiday
The Vietnamese government officially recognized the Hung Kings Festival as a national public holiday. Today, it continues to unite the country in remembering its roots.

How to Celebrate Hung Kings Festival

1

Create a Traditional Viet altar

Set up a traditional Vietnamese altar in your own home to pay homage to the Hung Kings. Decorate it with fruit, flowers, incense, and candles. Pray and remember the great deeds of these legendary rulers, setting the stage for a truly cultural celebration.

2

Cook traditional Vietnamese dishes

Become a Vietnamese home cook for a day! Prepare traditional dishes like Bánh Chưng (sticky rice cake) or Giò Lụa (Vietnamese pork roll) and gather your family for a delightful meal in honor of the Hung Kings.

3

Have an educational movie night

Organize an educational movie night centered around Vietnam's legendary epochs. Look for documentaries or historical dramas revolving around Vietnam's history to enrich yourself and your family about the lives and legends of the Hung Kings.

4

Visit local Vietnamese communities

If there's a Vietnamese community in your area, visit it on Hung Kings Festival Day. You can participate in public ceremonies, join in the local parade, and learn from the firsthand experiences of the Vietnamese locals.

5

Read about Hung Kings

Educate yourself about Hung Kings and the legends surrounding them. Read reliable sources, books, or educational articles online. This not only increases your knowledge but also gives you a profound understanding of why Hung Kings Festival is crucial to the Vietnamese people.

Why We Love Hung Kings Festival

A

We get to learn about Vietnam's rich history

The Hung Kings Festival provides a unique opportunity for us to delve into the fascinating history and culture of Vietnam. From paying homage to Vietnam's founding fathers to learning about their intriguing legend, there's so much to discover, making this day truly special.

B

It offers a chance to experience Vietnamese traditions and cuisine

Celebrating the Hung Kings Festival gives us a chance to interact with unique Vietnamese traditions. From setting up a traditional Viet altar at home to indulging in delicious Vietnamese dishes like Bánh Chưng or Giò Lụa, this celebration elevates our cultural understanding and palate!

C

It is a celebration of reverence and joy

The Hung Kings Festival is not only a moment for respect and honor but also a time for joy and cheer. The vibrant ceremonies and public festivities contribute to a lively and memorable experience, making us love this day even more.