The Khe Thuong Village Festival is a traditional festival that takes place from the 3rd to the 7th day of the first lunar month in Khe Thuong, an ancient village by the Da River. The festival honors Tan Vien Son Saint, one of the Four Immortal Saints of Vietnam, who is also the god of mountains and forests.

The villagers prepare flags, drums, palanquins, and incense tables on the afternoon of the previous day to welcome the Saint from Nghia Linh Mountain. According to the custom, the Saint and his wife, Princess Ngoc Hoa, visit the King and bring gifts to the villagers on the second day. The villagers then arrange boats to receive them back with respect.

On the morning of the 3rd day, many games and activities start at the communal house’s playground. Among these games, the customs of “chém may” (luck cutting) and wrestling are the most popular ones. Wrestling is a way to worship the Saint and the gods, as well as to inspire the villagers with sportsmanship and courage. It also reminds them of the victory of Son Tinh, the god of mountains, over Thuy Tinh, the god of water, thanks to his strength and bravery.

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