The Legend of Chu Dong Tu: Hung Yen Festival 2026

Hey guys, I'm here at the dike in Kowai Chow, Hun Yan. This is the 2026 Dahua Temple Traditional Festival. The stage is right by the dike. This is the path leading into Dahua Temple, where they worship Saint Chu Dong Tu and his two wives. Here comes the procession. Everyone, they're heading toward the saint's temple. Locals are lining the road to watch the parade. The procession stretches for miles along the dike, guys. It's a really long procession. This is a grand combined festival. They hold this joint festival every three years. The procession is so long, everyone. So many people showed up to watch. The road is completely packed on both sides. It's my first time in Hun Yan for this festival. Look at them carrying the ceremonial umbrellas and parasols. The saint's palanquin is right behind. The Sintian dance, check it out. This is the Sintian dance troupe. And here is the saint's palanquin, guys. I arrived just in time for the final palanquin. Now, let's head inside the temple. The procession enters through the main gate. But we'll go around to the back. We'll head through this path here to get to the back of the temple. All right, let's head inside, guys. It's so crowded. The dike is packed. Motorbikes and bikes are lining the whole dike. It's just wall-to-wall people. The path leads from the road to the dike. I've reached the front of Dahua Temple, guys. This is the special national heritage site, Dahua Temple, home to Saint Chudong Tu and his wives in Miso, Hun Yan. The procession has just arrived at the temple. From the outside all the way in. All the way inside the temple grounds. It's completely packed, guys. It's a major festival held every three years, so it's always this crowded. This is the way into the temple from the riverbank path. The procession is huge, stretching for miles. Let's head further inside the temple. The dragon dance troupe is moving out now, making space for the groups behind them. It's incredible, guys. Look at this massive dragon, guys. It's green. It's really long. We've reached the temple, guys. Right at the temple gate now. This group looks huge. I can't squeeze in there, guys. Should I try to push through? Still moving though, guys. Just a bit slowly. Inch by inch. Everyone coming from the riverbank all the way to the Dahua Temple grounds. So many people. A palanquin has arrived at the temple, and it's already settled here. Guys, inside the temple, everyone. Several palanquins have made it here. The Futrake village palanquin, Thayatrung village, Dahua village, Miso and Nak villages, Hontrake 2, guys. Both Hontrake palanquins are here. This is the front sanctuary of Dahua Temple, guys. The decree board is at the gate. This is where we set down the palanquins, guys. The procession is lively and solemn with traditional dances. Asking everyone about the festival traditions. Development, security and cultural life have improved since 2001. Preserving the legacy of our ancestors with traditions from Futrake and other villages. The people gather to worship at the magnificent temple. History is recorded in the temple documents. Under the Lu Dynasty, in the 5th and 8th years of Duong Hoa, the noble titles were granted based on these records. The procession is the pride of our villagers. Wishing everyone a prosperous and peaceful new year. Aiming for development and social stability since 2015. The cultural village honors its heritage. Contributing to building our cultural traditions. The gates open wide for everyone. Honoring the legacy of the Lai and Dynasties. From Dahua to the Lu and Mac periods. Which village are you from, sir? Greetings, I am from Tang Loi. We are here to serve the festival. I see, thank you. May I ask you, sir? How many villages are involved in this festival? There are 9 villages involved. 9 villages, sir? Yes. This is the Mita General Festival. Ah, the Mita General Festival, I see. All 9 processions arrive. To meet at the gathering point here. And then return to the temple. I see. How often is this festival held, sir? Every 3 years, got it. Every 3 years. Thank you, sir. Once the deities are back at the temple. What happens next, sir? Coming up next, shortly. Is the opening ceremony. I see. And regarding the 80 years. And what about the following days? So there are still a few days left? The procession returns on the 12th. Returns on the 12th, understood. Yes, on the 12th, Saint Hong Lang is escorted back. I wish you good health, sir. Thank you very much. I wish your coverage great success. Thank you very much, sir. Yes, thank you. So today is the 10th. The day all the village deities are escorted to Dahua Temple. To kick off the festival. And tomorrow, the 11th, continues with performances and folk games. Then the 12th is the closing ceremony, guys. I'm with the Sintian dance troupe, everyone. We're right by the river bank now. Lots of visitors after watching the procession. Are here taking a break and grabbing a drink. It lasts for 3 days, guys. Today is only the 10th, everyone. It goes all the way to the 12th. Now, let's head down to the river wharf. Right in front of Dahua Temple. The waterfront area, before the temple entrance. There's a ferry down there serving the festival. Let's move towards the river bank now, guys.