Hanoi’s ancient boat festival faces threat from river pollution
Thursday, March 27, 2025, 11:57 GMT+7
One of Hanoi’s oldest cultural traditions is in jeopardy as severe pollution in the Pheo River threatens to derail the Dam Village Boat Festival, an event believed to date back to the first century AD.
The festival, scheduled for April 6 to 8, is held every five years in Tay Tu Ward, Bac Tu Liem District, along a stretch of the Pheo River.
It commemorates events following the fall of the Trung Sisters’ uprising in 40 AD and features ancient cultural heritage elements from Thang Long – Hanoi’s original name – such as boat races, temple ceremonies, and traditional games such as wrestling and pottery smashing.
In 2018, it was recognized as National Intangible Cultural Heritage.
But this year, preparations have been hindered by the river’s worsening condition.
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| The polluted Pheo River water is black in Bac Tu Liem District, Hanoi. Photo: Danh Khang / Tuoi Tre |
The water has turned black and emits a strong odor, making it unsafe for training or public events.
Local teams have been unable to practice, and residents say the pollution -- now nearly two decades old -- has progressively worsened.
Farmers no longer use the river for irrigation for fear of contamination.
Tay Tu Ward officials have appealed to Bac Tu Liem District authorities for help.
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| A farmer tends crops along the polluted Pheo River in Bac Tu Liem District, Hanoi. Photo: Danh Khang / Tuoi Tre |
Doan Manh Hung, deputy chairman of the Tay Tu Commune People’s Committee, warned that the polluted river could force organizers to cancel or modify parts of the festival, which typically draws large crowds.
He urged the district authorities to work with neighboring Hoai Duc and Dan Phuong Districts to prevent waste discharge into the river.
Local authorities have also asked the Bac Tu Liem environmental and natural resources agency to work with Hoai Duc officials to improve water quality before the festival begins.
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| The polluted Pheo River water is black in Bac Tu Liem District, Hanoi. Photo: Quang The / Tuoi Tre |
Dan Hoai Irrigation Investment and Development Enterprise, which has provided clean water to support festival training in past years, reported that even after flushing the river, it returned to its polluted state within three days.
In a temporary effort to improve the conditions, Tay Tu officials have blocked parts of the river to allow for additional cleaning.
Local leaders are continuing to coordinate with district agencies in search of a longer-term solution to restore the river’s health and ensure the festival can proceed.
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