[In Pictures] Procession of giant “Lord Pigs” weighing over 200kg at La Phu Village Festival

Every year, on the 13th day of the first lunar month, residents of La Phu Village in An Khanh Commune, Ha Noi, hold the traditional“Lord Pig” procession festival. Historical records show that the ritual commemorates the merits of the tutelary deity Tinh Quoc Tam Lang during the reign of the sixth Hung Due Vuong.

Monday, March 02, 2026 17:55

According to custom, the pigs for offering are carefully chosen and raised in advance by residents. Each hamlet is allowed to present only one “Lord Pig”, which must be large and well-fed, meticulously cared for and kept clean. The pig is brought to the home of the host family responsible for organising the procession for that hamlet, where it is slaughtered, attractively decorated, and placed on a palanquin to await an auspicious hour before being carried to the communal house for the offering ceremony.

At around 6pm, the “Lord Pigs” and offerings are paraded through village lanes and streets.

Many weigh more than 200kg and are carried by strong young men.

The pigs prepared for the La Phu procession festival are elaborately decorated at various points, including the snout, eyes, ears, head, tail, and limbs.

Large crowds of local residents and visitors attend the festival.

At approximately 8pm, the “Lord Pigs” are borne to the gate of La Phu Communal House in preparation for the ritual ceremony inside.

By tradition, the hamlet closest to the communal house proceeds first, followed by those farther away. The processions move slowly in sequence, one hamlet after another. Each procession is arranged in order: two large ceremonial flags lead the way, followed by a brass band, and a lion dance troupe.

The “Lord Pigs” are then carried into the communal house for the ritual offering.

Although each pig is decorated differently, it must appear majestic and impressive to compete for recognition.

Villagers believe that the more dignified the posture and the more beautiful the skin of the “Lord Pig” when placed on the palanquin for the ritual, the greater the likelihood of favourable fortune in the year ahead.

At midnight, village elders begin the ritual ceremony, which lasts until around 2am the following morning. After the ceremony concludes, each hamlet carries its “Lord Pig” back and distributes blessed portions to local households.

THE DAI

Translated by NDO

La Phu Village Festival “Lord Pig” procession festival

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