The Giong Festival at Soc Temple is a major traditional celebration held annually from the 6th to the 8th day of the first lunar month in Soc Son District, Hanoi. Regarded as a crucial cultural event in the Red River Delta, it was officially recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2010 (alongside the Giong Festival at Phu Dong).

Origins and the story: The festival is dedicated to honoring Saint Giong, a legendary hero and one of the Four Immortals in Vietnamese mythology. While the Phu Dong festival marks his birth, the Soc Temple celebration specifically commemorates the sacred spot where Saint Giong heroically ascended to heaven after defeating foreign invaders. The event highlights the deep devotion of the local community, with surrounding villages spending days meticulously preparing for the grand tribute.

Activities at the festival:

• Sacred Ceremonies: The festival begins with solemn rituals, including a formal incense offering and a traditional "bathing" ritual for the saint's statue.

• Symbolic Village Offerings: Various local villages are tasked with preparing specific, highly symbolic offerings for the saint. For example, Duc Hau village brings ivory, Dan Tao village prepares betel and areca, and Duoc Thuong village crafts elaborate papier-mâché elephants.

• The Bamboo Flower Procession: A vibrant and entirely unique highlight of the festival is the procession of "bamboo flowers" (giò hoa tre)—intricate flowers crafted from sharpened and brightly dyed bamboo.

• Bamboo Flower Snatching: Following the procession, a ceremonial "snatching" of the bamboo flowers takes place. Participants eagerly try to grab a flower, as it is believed to bring great luck and prosperity for the new year.

• Folk Games and Performances: Beyond the spiritual rites, the festival is brought to life with traditional entertainment. Visitors can enjoy lively games such as human chess and cock fighting, as well as captivating cultural performances including chèo (traditional Vietnamese opera) and quan họ (traditional love duet singing).