Tro Tram Festival

The festival begins with the performance of "Tứ dân chi nghiệp," also known as "bách nghệ khôi hài"—a humorous folk play about the four main traditional professions: scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants.

Following this, the ritual ceremonies performed by the village elders take place from 10:30 PM on the 11th until midnight on the 12th of the first lunar month. These rituals are conducted with solemnity and reverence.

The most captivating and attention-grabbing part for viewers is the "Lễ Mật" (Secret Ritual), performed at midnight on the 12th day of the first lunar month at Miếu Trò (Trò Temple).

According to local belief, the success of the "tình phộc" (symbolic sexual intercourse) ritual significantly influences the year's weather and the people's livelihoods.

Exactly at midnight, the sacred box containing the male (Nõ) and female (Nường) sexual organs (symbolic representations) is brought out. The temple elder then hands them to the chosen couple. As soon as the lights and candles are extinguished, the elder chants the command "linh tinh tình phộc." The two main participants—the man, shirtless and wearing a loincloth, holding the Nõ; and the woman, wearing a skirt and a traditional bodice (yếm đào), holding the Nường—perform symbolic acts of sexual intercourse. Villagers believe that three successful "strikes" will lead to lush, abundant harvests; two successful strikes mean a good harvest this year; and one successful strike indicates poor fortune in business.

After the "Lễ Mật" (Secret Ritual), the morning of the 12th features the "Rước lúa thần" (Procession of the Sacred Rice), praying for favorable weather and bountiful harvests. Rice stalks harvested from the previous crop, which were worshipped in the temple, are taken out and paraded to Xa Loc Temple, dedicated to General Phùng Lân Hổ of the Trần dynasty. They are then further paraded around the village. While the rice is being paraded through the village streets, the performances continue at Miếu Trò (Trò Temple) to maintain the festive atmosphere. The "Lễ cúng thập bái" (ten-bow ceremony) is performed last at Miếu Trò to conclude the festival.