(HBO) - The Muong Thang new crop festival opened on February 10 in Dung Phong commune, Cao Phong district of the northern mountainous province of Hoa Binh.
A unique gong performance
at the Muong Thang newcrop festival
The Muong Thang newcrop festival, also called the ploughing festival,
includes the ritual and festive activities. The rituals take place at the shrine of Dong Nhat hamlet, where the
village’s tutelary gods are worshipped. They include the palanquin procession
from the shrine to the place where the festival is held and vice versa. The procession
is solemnly held with flags, parasols and offerings with the participation of the
elderly, monks and crowds of local people.
The festive activities include folk
games such as ‘con’ ball throwing, duck catching and other sports, as well as a
singing contest, gong and folk music performances which are deeply imbued with the
Muong people’s cultural identity.
The festival offers a chance for
locals to express their gratitude towards and respect for gods who contributed
to forming the Muong land. Through the festival, local residents pray for a happy
and successful New Year, with positive achievements in socio-economic
development.
It is also a good opportunity
for Muong Thang people to meet and join together in exchange activities, thus tightening
the solidarity in the community./.
On February 12th (i.e. Lunar January 15), the People's Committee of Hop Tien commune, Kim Boi district organized the Festival of Sim Pagoda Festival in At Ty Spring, 2025. The festival welcomed many people and tourists to visit the pagoda and enjoy the scenery.
The palanquin procession to Sim Pagoda.
As Hoa Binh province is set to host 115 spring festivals, local departments, sectors and localities are joining hands to ensure safety for the events.
In many major cultural events in Hanoi, the sound of the Muong people's gongs has become a special tone, contributing to the unique harmony that praises the cultural values accumulated over thousands of years along with the sacred soul of the capital city.
On the first day back to work and school after the Lunar New Year holiday, thousands of female officials, civil servants, and students from grade nine and above in Lac Son district proudly wore the traditional Muong attire. The vibrant brocade patterns created a striking cultural display, reinforcing the community's commitment to preserving and promoting their heritage.
The provincial-level Khai Ha festival 2025 of the Muong ethnic minority group took place at Phong Phu commune’s stadium in Tan Lac district of Hoa Binh province on the morning of February 5 (the 8th day of the first lunar month of the Year of the Snake).
"Xuong Dong” (going to the field) festival opened in Yen Phu commune of Hoa Binh’s Lac Son district on February 5, or the eighth day of the Year of the Snake, drawing thousands of locals and visitors to partake in a variety of activities.