More than just honoring the craft ancestors, the Thanh Ha Pottery Village Festival is also an occasion for all generations to preserve long-standing values together. If you want to explore this culturally rich festival in depth, don’t miss the article from Hoi An Royal Beachfront Villas.
Origin and meaning behind the birth of the Thanh Ha pottery village festival
The Thanh Ha Pottery Village Festival originates from the traditional craft village of the same name, located in Hoi An — a place with over 500 years of history tied to pottery making. The pottery craft here was formed during the 16th–17th centuries by skilled artisans who migrated from the provinces of Thanh Hoa, Nam Dinh, Hai Duong, and Nghe An, bringing their traditional craft to start a new life.
Thanks to its favorable geographical location and the high demand for ceramics during Hoi An’s golden age as an international trading port (17th–18th centuries), the village flourished and maintained its distinctive character.
The festival was established as a way to honor the craft ancestors, expressing gratitude to forebears who built the village. At the same time, it serves as a reminder for future generations to preserve, develop, and pass on these valuable traditional values.
Beyond its spiritual and cultural significance, the festival also plays a role in showcasing the art of pottery to visitors, promoting the village’s image, and contributing to tourism as well as the local socio-economic development.
Time and location of the Thanh Ha Pottery Village Festival
The Thanh Ha Pottery Village Festival is held annually on the 9th and 10th days of the 7th lunar month, at the Nam Dieu shrine area — considered the spiritual center of the craft village — located in Hoi An Tay ward, Da Nang (formerly Thanh Ha ward, Hoi An city, Quang Nam province). This is the venue for solemn ancestral worship ceremonies, combined with many unique traditional cultural activities.
In 2025, the festival will take place on August 24 and 25 (which corresponds to the 9th and 10th days of the 7th lunar month), and is expected to attract a large number of local residents and visitors from afar to join and experience the unique festive atmosphere.
What makes the Thanh Ha Pottery Village Festival special?
Solemn ancestral worship ceremonies
The ceremonial part of the Thanh Ha Pottery Village Festival is conducted with many traditional and solemn rituals, expressing deep respect for the craft ancestors and wishing for a peaceful and prosperous new year. Specifically, it includes:
- Early morning ancestral palanquin procession: The festival begins with the palanquin procession from Lum Ba Dang shrine to the Nam Dieu ancestral shrine or Thanh Ha village communal house. Leading the procession is the lion-dragon dance team, followed by a traditional music ensemble, ceremonial items, the sacred ancestral tablet palanquin, and a ceramic incense burner palanquin, drawing the participation of many villagers.
- Offering incense and ceremonial items at the shrine: At the shrine area, village elders, officials, and residents present incense and offerings to the craft ancestors. Notably, the “first pottery batch” — the first ceramic products crafted by artisans in the year — is a meaningful offering that symbolizes gratitude and hopes for a prosperous and successful year in the craft.
- Traditional ceremonial reading: The ceremonial committee, led by village elders, performs a traditional prayer reading, wishing for national peace, community well-being, the prosperity of the craft village, and the unity and happiness of future generations.
- Strict adherence to ceremonial protocol: From preparing offerings, carrying the ancestral tablet, to the incense-offering and prayer rites at the ancestral temple — all are meticulously organized, reflecting deep reverence for the forebears who founded and preserved the Thanh Ha pottery craft for hundreds of years.
Exciting activities during the festival
The festive part of the Thanh Ha Pottery Village Festival takes place vibrantly with many unique cultural and entertainment activities, creating a joyful atmosphere, fostering community connection, and attracting visitors:
- Traditional art performances: Folk dances, singing, and live pottery-making demonstrations are held throughout the festival, reflecting the local cultural identity and honoring the craft village spirit.
- Boat racing on the Thu Bon River: One of the most energetic activities is the traditional boat race. Locals and tourists alike join in the lively excitement along Hoi An’s poetic river.
- Fun folk games: Games such as tug of war, swing riding, and sack racing are organized for everyone to enjoy — from children to adults — bringing joyful and communal vibes across the village.
- Handmade pottery contest: This is a creative playground for artisans and pottery lovers to compete in shaping, decorating, and molding clay by hand — showcasing their skills while reviving pride in the traditional craft.
- Unique pottery market fair: At the market fair, traditional pottery products are displayed and sold directly. Visitors can admire, purchase souvenirs, and witness the delicate craftsmanship in every handmade item from the Thanh Ha pottery village.
Tips for attending the Thanh Ha Pottery Village Festival
To have a fulfilling and meaningful experience at the Thanh Ha Pottery Village Festival, keep the following tips in mind:
- Check the schedule before your visit: The festival follows a specific timeline for activities such as the palanquin procession, performances, and pottery contests. Knowing the schedule in advance will help you choose the best time to join your favorite events.
- Dress simply and modestly: Since the festival includes ceremonial worship at communal houses and shrines, wear respectful and appropriate clothing that fits the sacred and traditional Vietnamese setting.
- Respect the spiritual space: When entering worship areas or temples, maintain a serious demeanor, speak softly, and do not touch sacred objects without permission.
- Watch your belongings: As the festival attracts large crowds, especially at the market fair and procession areas, be mindful of your personal belongings.
- Be mindful when taking photos: Capturing memorable moments is encouraged, but respect ceremonial spaces and ask for permission if you wish to photograph locals during rituals.
- Engage with the locals: This is a valuable opportunity to chat with artisans, learn about the village’s history, and even try making pottery yourself — a truly unforgettable experience.
- Bring cash: Many handmade product stalls and local food vendors do not support electronic payments, so carrying some cash will make it easier to shop and participate in activities.
- Keep the area clean: Dispose of waste properly and avoid disturbing the landscape, helping maintain a clean and beautiful festival environment.
The Thanh Ha Pottery Village Festival is a vivid testament to the enduring vitality of traditional craft villages in the modern era. At the festival, you’ll see that clay does more than create pottery — it connects people through pride and deep gratitude, an experience that resonates deeply with the cultural journeys shared by guests of Hoi An Royal Beachfront Villas.
