The unique fish-catching festival of Giao Ha village.
The Giao Ha village festival (Hat Mon commune, Hanoi) takes place on the 6th day of the third lunar month every year with many diverse activities. In particular, the fish-catching competition at the festival is considered a highlight, attracting thousands of people to participate and cheer.
Hà Nội Mới•24/04/2026
The fish-catching festival in Giao Ha village (Hat Mon commune, Hanoi ). Photo: HM
The communal house and temple of Giáo Hạ village (Hát Môn commune, Hanoi) worship two village guardian deities: Chi Hải Long Vương – one of the 50 children of Lạc Long Quân and Âu Cơ who followed their father to the sea and later became the god who governs the rivers and waters; and Ả Lã Nương Đê – a talented female general who, along with the Two Trung Sisters, drove out the Tô Định invaders in the early 40s.
Every year, on the 6th day of the third lunar month, the Giao Ha village festival takes place with solemn ceremonies and lively festivities. In particular, the unique fish-catching competition held on this day attracts thousands of villagers to participate and cheer.
The fish-catching festival in Giao Ha village is open to everyone, young and old, male and female; anyone can register to participate. Photo: HM
Giao Ha village is also known by its colloquial name, Bun Ha. Throughout the feudal dynasties, the village had several different names such as Trung Phan Ha and Phan Ha. Currently, the village consists of two hamlets, Giao Ha and Giao Ha 6, with approximately 800 households. The village's complex of communal houses, temples, and shrines has been recognized as a national historical monument since 1990.
Introducing the traditions of his hometown, Mr. Luu Manh Hung, Deputy Permanent Chairman of the Organizing Committee of Giao Ha village festival, said that according to legend, during the reign of King Le Hien Tong, the deity Chi Hai Long Vuong often manifested to help the king fight invaders, achieving many great accomplishments, and was therefore bestowed the title of Great King of Blessed Deities. The court entrusted the Ministry of Rites to bring the royal decree to Trung Phan Ha village so that the people could continue to worship him, and every year officials are sent to perform very solemn rituals. The second deity worshipped at the village temple and shrine is Lady A La Nuong De (also known as A Nu Nang De), who is also revered by the people for her contributions in fighting invaders and saving the country.
To catch fish, festival participants bring along tools such as fishing baskets. Photo: HM
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Recounting the tradition of catching fish in Giao Ha village, the elders proudly say: In the past, the Day River flowed in front of the village temple. After the cold winter months, when spring arrived and the weather warmed, the villagers would often organize a fish-catching event. During the annual Spring Festival (on the 15th day of the second lunar month), the village would set up an altar and offer incense to the village guardian deity at the temple. After the ceremony, with the sound of drums and shouts, the leader would carry a fishing net down to the river first, followed by the villagers, regardless of age or gender, to catch fish. The best fish caught would be selected and stewed to offer to the village guardian deity.
However, due to historical changes, for nearly half a century, the custom of covering and offering fish to the tutelary deity has not been maintained during the Spring Festival. To restore, preserve, and promote the unique cultural values of the homeland, since 2024, members of the Monument Management Board have discussed and sought the opinions of the people to unanimously agree on restoring the fish-covering festival.
...And they move constantly on the water's surface searching for fish. Photo: HM A young man from Giao Ha village caught a fish. Photo: HM
Realizing that the Day River was no longer as suitable for the traditional fish-catching ritual, but noticing a large lake spanning thousands of square meters in front of the village temple, managed by the Heritage Management Board; the lake boasts beautiful scenery, situated right at the temple entrance, beside the Ngoc Tao dike, with many ancient trees along its banks, making it ideal for the festival. The fish-catching festival was thus revived here, creating a very joyful atmosphere for the villagers on their festival day.
This year, the Giao Ha village festival featured a variety of activities. After the morning ritual of offering sacrifices to the gods on the 6th day of the third lunar month, a fish-catching competition took place in the afternoon. Nearly 200 people registered to participate in this year's competition. The judging criteria were based on the number and weight of fish caught. Participants contributed a portion of the funds to the village to rebuild the fish pond for the following year's festival and were allowed to take their catch home.
The "results" of a participant in a fish-catching contest. Photo: HM
At this year's Spring Festival, Mr. Do Dinh Hung was fortunate enough to win first prize. Mr. Hung caught a hybrid carp weighing over 15kg.
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“To catch such a heavy fish, I had to prepare a large fishing net and expend a lot of energy moving it across the water. However, when I became the winner, all the fatigue vanished. The village festival was very joyful. Hundreds of people went down to the lake, lined up, and cheered. Restoring the festival not only preserves traditional cultural identity but also strengthens community bonds and helps people love their homeland even more,” Hung said excitedly.
The fish-catching festival in Giao Ha village is not only a folk entertainment activity, but also carries profound cultural and spiritual values, contributing to the preservation and promotion of the local traditional heritage in modern life.
