In preparation of this swing festival, two straight hop trunks that are also highly malleable and stuck with proudly unfurled flags are erected and joined with swinging rods, hooks and scaffolds with rattan strings or ropes… As a result, swingers can freely plunge and swing up for the sake of safety.
Gia Vien village swing festival starts with three drum beats, to be followed by a respected old man donning the ao dai and plaited turban who strikes the drum and performs traditional rites, then climb up the swing rod to inaugurate festivities.
Swing festival is a popular pursuit in Lunar New Year holidays, which lures various players and spectators as well. In this swing festival, a big jump is not enough as players are required to plunge beautifully and make the momentum for the upcoming swing so that their hands can touch the red flag so that they win the overall game. Fierce and visually relaxing competition among healthy lads in the midst of thunderous and unrelenting cheers and applauses of villagers and tourists also contributes in large part to its buzzing and vital festive ambience.
Quoc Dung
(Source: Vietnam Today 1.2022)