Le Mat Snake Festival

Drums thunder through the village streets as a procession of red-robed figures emerges from the ancient temple. The crowd parts, holding their breath as skilled handlers unveil bamboo cages containing writhing, hissing serpents. Children squeal with equal parts fear and delight, while elders nod knowingly—the snake catchers of Le Mat are about to demonstrate their centuries-old mastery.

Le Mat Village Festival, held annually in the eighth lunar month, is a vibrant celebration honoring the village's unique snake-catching tradition and its legendary founder. Located just 7km from Hanoi's center in Viet Hung Ward, Long Bien District, this festival blends colorful pageantry with deep cultural significance, drawing both Vietnamese and international visitors eager to witness one of northern Vietnam's most distinctive cultural heritage events.

The Dragon's Blessing: Origins of Le Mat's Snake Legacy

The origins of Le Mat Village and its snake-catching tradition trace back to a captivating legend from the Ly Dynasty (11th century). According to local lore, Princess Tien Dung, daughter of King Ly Thai Tong, was enjoying a pleasure cruise on the Red River when a massive snake appeared, threatening to capsize her boat. A young man named Le Mat heroically killed the snake, saving the princess and her entourage. In gratitude, the king bestowed upon him land and nobility, establishing what would become Le Mat Village.

The village adopted snake catching as its traditional craft, and the snake festival emerged as an annual commemoration of their founder's bravery. Over centuries, Le Mat became known as "Snake Village" (Làng Rắn), with its inhabitants developing specialized skills in catching, handling, and even using snakes for medicinal purposes and cuisine.

The Dance of Serpents: Festival Rituals and Ceremonies

The Le Mat Snake Festival unfolds as a carefully choreographed series of events that balance religious reverence with community celebration:

Temple Rituals

The festival begins at Le Mat's ancient communal house (đình) with formal offerings to village deities and the founder Le Mat himself. Community elders perform traditional rituals while incense smoke fills the air, creating an atmosphere of spiritual communion with ancestral protectors.

Processional Spectacle

Following the temple ceremonies, a grand procession winds through village streets featuring:

• A palanquin carrying effigies of village deities and the hero Le Mat
• Cờ ngũ sắc (five-colored flags) representing the five elements
• Traditional musicians playing trống (drums), kèn (horns), and sáo (flutes)
• Dancers performing ancient choreographies
• Village elders in traditional formal attire

Snake Exhibition and Demonstrations

The highlight of the festival is the public demonstration of snake-handling skills. Expert handlers showcase:

• The proper technique for catching venomous snakes
• Methods of extracting snake venom for medicinal purposes
• Traditional snake performances showing the handlers' fearlessness and control
• The preparation of medicinal snake wine (rượu rắn)

Throughout these demonstrations, the village's skilled handlers work with various snake species, including cobras, kraits, and pythons, demonstrating the specialized knowledge passed down through generations.

Scales of Heritage: Cultural Significance and Meaning

For the people of Le Mat, the Snake Festival represents far more than a tourist attraction—it embodies their cultural identity and ancestral connection. The festival serves multiple interconnected purposes in Vietnamese cultural life:

First, it honors the village's legendary founder and reinforces community solidarity through shared participation in traditional rituals. The ceremonial aspects connect current villagers with countless generations before them who performed the same rituals.

Second, it celebrates and preserves the specialized knowledge of snake handling that defines Le Mat's cultural identity. This traditional craft represents a form of intangible cultural heritage that distinguishes Le Mat from other villages.

Finally, the festival manifests the Vietnamese tradition of worshipping village guardian spirits (thần thành hoàng), demonstrating the continued importance of folk religion in contemporary Vietnamese life. By honoring their founder through these elaborate ceremonies, villagers seek protection and prosperity for the coming year.

Encountering the Serpent Masters: Visitor's Guide

When to Visit

The Le Mat Snake Festival typically takes place on the 20th day of the eighth lunar month (usually September or October in the Gregorian calendar). The festival lasts three days, with the main ceremonies occurring on the second day.

Getting There

Le Mat Village is easily accessible from central Hanoi:

• By taxi: A 15-20 minute ride from the Old Quarter
• By bus: Take bus routes 10, 17, or 23 to the Le Mat stop
• By motorbike: Follow Nguyen Van Cu Street across Long Bien Bridge and continue to Viet Hung Ward

Visitor Etiquette

When attending the festival, observe these cultural courtesies:

• Dress modestly, particularly when entering temple areas
• Remove shoes before entering sacred spaces
• Ask permission before photographing individuals, especially during religious ceremonies
• Make a small donation at the temple if you wish to light incense
• Respect handlers' instructions during snake demonstrations

Beyond the Festival

Even outside festival dates, Le Mat offers visitors a chance to experience snake culture:

• Several restaurants specialize in snake cuisine, serving dishes believed to have medicinal properties
• Snake wine producers offer tastings and explanations of traditional preparation methods
• Some families maintain small snake farms where visitors can observe different species and learn about traditional handling techniques

The Le Mat Snake Festival offers a rare glimpse into one of Vietnam's most distinctive village traditions—a living heritage that continues to thrive despite rapid modernization across the country.