The traditional Gau Tao Festival reflects the
belief, custom and practice of the Mong ethnic group. Through the annual
festival, the Mong people pray for bumper harvests and best things.
This is the second time the festival has been restored in Hang Kia commune,
aiming to meet the aspirations of the local Party Committee, authority and
people, and promote the history, culture and tourism potential of the two
communes.
Following the opening ceremony was the ritual of Neu pole planting which took
place on a vast, flat land surface, with the pole’s top tilting eastward where
the sun rises, with the hope of bearing a child and having bumper crops.
After the Neu pole was planted, thay cung (sorcerer) burnt incense and walked around the tree to
ask the God for bumper crops, favourable weather conditions, happiness, good
health and smooth business.
Apart from special art performances, the festival featured booths introducing
traditional dishes of the Mong people and sport events, reflecting cultural
identities of the Mong group in Pa Co and Hang Kia communes, Mai Chau district.
An
art performance at the festival.
Sorcerer prays at Neu pole planting ritual at Gau Tao festival.
Mong
young girls and boys dance and sing around Neu pole at Gau Tao festival.
Tug
of war is played at the festival, demonstrating strength and solidarity of Mong
men.
Many
young people participate in stick pushing at the festival./.
Hoa Binh City is wearing a fresh, bright, green, clean and beautiful appearance before the Spring of At Ty. Below are notes from Hoa Binh Newspaper reporters in Hoa Binh City during the days leading up to Lunar New Year 2025.
The Ministry of Construction recently conducted an appraisal and evaluation of the proposal to recognize Hoa Binh City as a Class II urban area under Hoa Binh Province. The appraisal council agreed that Hoa Binh City meets the criteria for a Class II urban area with a score of 84.16 out of 100. The city is currently focusing on improving its infrastructure, enhancing its urban aesthetics, and aiming to become a modern urban area with a unique identity.
Traditional costumes are cultural symbols of each ethnic group, reflecting their customs and unique identities. Every pattern and color on these outfits is a sophisticated blend of craftsmanship, folk knowledge, and art. The traditional costumes of ethnic minorities in Hoa Binh Province, such as the Muong, Thai, Tay, Dao, and Mong are not only used in daily life but also during festivals and significant life ceremonies.
The atmosphere of Christmas (Noel) 2024 is spreading from major cities to parishes, sub-parishes, and Catholic communities throughout Hoa Binh Province. Christmas is now not only celebrated by Catholics but also warmly welcomed by many people.