Lỗ Khê Festival 2025

In the heart of Hanoi, nestled within the historic walls of Đình Ca Công, a unique cultural event unfolds annually on the 5th day of the fourth lunar month - the Lỗ Khê Festival. This celebration pays homage to the founders of Ca trù, Đinh Dự and Đường Hoa, and serves as a vibrant showcase of traditional music, dance, and the rich cultural heritage of Vietnam.

Lỗ Khê Festival 2025

Explore the cultural tapestry of The Lỗ Khê Festival 2025, where traditional melodies, ancient rituals, and vibrant celebrations unite in a unique spectacle.

The origin of the Lỗ Khê Festival

According to historical records, Đinh Dự, a talented singer from a young age, and his wife, Đường Hoa Tiên Hải, established a renowned Ca Trù school, attracting students from Lỗ Khê and surrounding regions. In 1428, upon ascending to the throne, King Lê Lợi invited the couple to the capital for performances and recognition. 

Ca Trù holds significant cultural importance in Vietnam as it represents centuries-old traditional music

Following Đinh Dự's passing, King Lê Lợi entrusted the care of the couple's altar to Quản giáp Lỗ Khê, leading to the construction of Ca Công temple in 1430. This temple became a lasting tribute to the contributions of the Ca trù pioneers. Designated a National Cultural and Historical Relic in 1989, the temple underwent state restoration in 2001, preserving its timeless architectural charm.

The historic architecture of Ca Công Temple

Situated in the quaint village of Lỗ Khê, Ca Công temple stands as a testament to Vietnam's architectural legacy. Dating back to the Hậu Lê era, the temple's unique and venerable structure features three chambers. Its interior boasts robust iron-wood columns and a courtyard paved with Bát Tràng tiles.

Đình Ca Công stands as a testament to Vietnam's architectural legacy

Adorning the main hall is a horizontal lacquered board inscribed with four Chinese characters: “Sinh Tài Tự Điển” believed to be granted by King Lê Thánh Tông. The temple also houses wooden statues of the Ca trù founders and preserves the royal seals bestowed upon Đinh Dự and his wife.

The highlight of Lỗ Khê Festival

On the 5th day of the fourth lunar month, descendants of Ca trù enthusiasts from across the nation converge at the temple to pay respects and participate in Ca trù performances at the temple's entrance. The festivities extend for 2 to 3 days, attracting international visitors eager to experience the beauty of Ca trù and explore the temple's architectural marvels.

Ca Trù singers showcase their skills in singing and dancing

A month before the festival, representatives from various singing schools collaborate to plan the event. A seasoned leader is selected to oversee the proceedings. During the rituals, Ca Trù singers showcase their skills in singing and dancing, with selected individuals granted the privilege to perform in front of the altar.

During the days of this festival, tourists attend to see traditional performances of Ca Trù at the Ca Công temple. The performance includes four or eight young women dressed in traditional attire, combining singing with expressive gestures. Restrictions prohibit performers from turning their backs to the altar or engaging in laughter. Additionally, traditional dances such as the "múa tứ linh" and the intricate "múa bài bông" add to the cultural richness of the Lỗ Khê Festival.

Traditional dance of Ca Trù was added to the cultural richness of the Lỗ Khê Festival

The special meaning of the festival

The Ca trù ancestral village celebration in Lỗ Khê encapsulates a millennium-old cultural and artistic heritage of Hanoi. The melodious Ca trù tunes infuse the festival with allure, sanctity, and a diverse richness that epitomizes traditional festivities.

For nearly 600 years, despite the ebb and flow of Ca trù's popularity, the fragrant incense at the ancestral altar in Lỗ Khê has never ceased. Even during tumultuous wartime, the guardians, Nguyễn Văn and Nguyễn Thế, diligently ensured the temple's continuity. Only in 1993 did it transition to a temple management committee, continuing the meticulous rituals of ancestral worship.

Lỗ Khê village was the hometown of couple Đinh Dự and Đường Hoa Tiên Hải

The Lỗ Khê Festival 2025 presents an amazing opportunity for tourist to experience Vietnamese culture of Ca Trù. Let’s plan your Vietnam tour today and experience the vibrant atmosphere of this distinctive celebration.