Traditional festivals of Hoa Binh: A rich cultural heritage

4/4/2025 - 1:46:10 PM

For generations, the ethnic communities of Hoa Binh province, particularly the Muong people, have preserved vibrant festivals deeply intertwined with the region’s geography, nature, and social traditions. These celebrations enrich Hoa Binh’s spiritual life and cultural identity, reflecting both folk beliefs and the intermingling of ethnic customs. Many of these festivals have endured the test of time, passed down through generations and continuing to thrive today. Among them, the Khai Ha (Going Down to the Field) festival stands out as one of the most significant events of the Muong ethnic group.

The Gau Tao festival of the Mong people in Mai Chau district always leaves a special impression on visitors from near and far.

Recognised in 2022 by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism as a national intangible cultural heritage, the Khai Ha festival is the largest traditional folk festival of the Muong people in Hoa Binh. Closely linked to wet rice cultivation, it bears influence of ancient Vietnamese civilisation. For centuries, it has been an indispensable cultural and spiritual tradition, celebrated during the Lunar New Year and spring across the four major Muong areas: Bi, Vang, Thang, and Dong. The festival serves as a prayer for abundant harvests and communal prosperity, while also offering the Muong people a time to rest and express their hopes for peace and well-being. In recent years, it has expanded with additional rituals and activities, attracting increasing numbers of participants.

Another cherished tradition is the Sac Bua festival, a joyful and entertaining event that has been preserved and widely practiced within the Muong community since ancient times. Held at the start of the new year, this festival brings people together to exchange good wishes for fortune and health. It is also observed on special occasions such as housewarmings, weddings, and when welcoming esteemed guests.

Beyond the Khai Ha and Sac Bua festivals, the Muong people celebrate other significant events, including the rain praying festival, the new rice festival, and the bamboo swing festival. Additionally, several local festivals in various districts are associated with historical legends and notable landmarks. Over time, these celebrations have grown in scale and recognition, attracting visitors from both within and beyond the province. Notable examples include the Dinh Coi Festival (Vu Binh commune, Lac Son district), Dinh Vai Festival (Ba Hang Doi town, Lac Thuy district), Trung Bao Temple and Shrine Festival (Thanh Cao commune, Luong Son district), Dinh Xam Festival (Phu Lai commune, Yen Thuy district), and Chua Tien Festival (Phu Nghia commune, Lac Thuy district).

Among these, the Bo Temple Festival has gained considerable attention from visitors nationwide. According to legend, the Thac Bo Goddesses—Dinh Thi Van, a Muong woman, and an unidentified woman from the Dao ethnic group in Vay Nua commune—played a crucial role in aiding King Le Loi (1384–1433). They provided food and boats to help the king cross Bo Waterfall and defeat the Deo Cat Han rebels in Muong Le, Son La province. In gratitude for their contributions, King Le Loi issued a royal decree for the construction of a temple in their honour. Every year, on the seventh day of the first lunar month, a festival is held to commemorate these heroic women and other deities. Today, Bo Temple is not only a revered spiritual site but also a key attraction in Hoa Binh Lake tourism. Many families and visitors embark on pilgrimages at the beginning of the year to pray for peace and prosperity, and in recent years, the temple’s festival has drawn an increasing number of visitors from across the country.

In addition tothe Muong community, other ethnic groups in Hoa Binh—such as the Thai, Tay, Mong, and Dao—also celebrate distinctive festivals that showcase their unique cultural heritage. One of the most prominent Thai festivals in Mai Chau is Xen Ban, a celebration of gratitude toward ancestors and prayers for prosperity, favourable weather, bountiful harvests, and happiness. Festival activities include folk singing, traditional dances, drum and gong performances, and cockfighting. Having faded into obscurity over time, the festival was revived in 2011 by Mai Chau district, preserving its original rituals and cultural significance. In 2024, Keng Loong (a traditional Thai folk dance) and the Xen Muong Festival were officially recognised as national intangible cultural heritages.

Other festivals among Hoa Binh’s ethnic minorities reflect deeply rooted traditions, such as the Dao people’s Cap Sac (Coming-of-Age) ritual. In response to modern developments, many traditional festivals have adapted to contemporary times by integrating elements of economic and tourism promotion. For example, the Cao Phong Orange Festival highlights a local specialty.

As these cultural festivals continue to uphold meaningful social values, foster unity, and strengthen community bonds, they remain integral to the identity of Hoa Binh. With ongoing efforts to preserve and promote these traditions, they will continue to thrive for generations to come.

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