The festivals in early new year

1/22/2020 - 9:32:33 AM

(HBO) - Hoa Binh, a province with its famous "Hoa Binh culture”, is a legendary epic land of "Laying land, laying water”, having the festivals rich in the cultural identities of Muong, Thai, Tay, Mong, Dao ... There are 63 festivals in the province at the beginning of spring, including 6 festivals at the district’s level, 35 festivals at the communal level and 22 one at the village’s and hamlet’s level.

The procession group of the Saint palanquin from the temple to the festival grounds at the Khai Ha Festival in Muong Bi (Tan Lac) in 2019.

Each festival has its own beauty of identity, belief, and tradition, bearing the mark of each ethnic group, each region, such as the Khai Ha festival of Muong Bi (Tan Lac), Muong Dong Festival (Kim Boi), Muong Thang festival (Cao Phong), Du Voi festival (Lac Son), De Rice Tet of Muong Ram (Yen Thuy), the festival of Xen Ban - Xen Muong of Thai people (Mai Chau), Gou Tao festival of Mong ethnic people (Mai Chau), the festival of spraying for rice crop of Tay ethnic people (Tay Bac), dancing Tet, Cap Sac Ceremony for men (A ceremony to acknowledge the men’s maturity)... Besides, at temples and pagodas the traditional festivals at the beginning of the year are organized for the people’s spring travel, sightseeing and worship such as: the festival of Tien pagoda (Lac Thuy), the festival of Bo temple (Da Bac), the festival of Ngoi communal (Hoa Binh city), the communal festival of Voi village (Lac Thuy) ), the festival of Coi temple (Lac Son) ...

The features in the folk festivals often show the connection of the community, the solidarity and the attachment of a village and a region. The festival is usually divided into 2 parts, the ceremony and the festival. The ceremony is often solemnly and respectfully held with the religious colour. The festival is organized with many cultural activities, arts, sports, folk games, cuisine ... Depending on each region, each ethnic group, the ritual performance is different, but all activities are solemnly and respectfully organized, expressing the tribute, the respect for the ancestors, the gods, the people who have built the villages and Muong, giving thanks and praying for favourable rain and wind, good crops, a new year full of warmth, happiness and peace.

Mentioning the special festivals of the province, it is impossible not to mention Khai Ha festival. It is also known as the ceremony to go to the field, the opening ceremony of the forest, the folk festival associated with water rice agriculture, bearing a lot of marks relating to the ancient Vietnamese civilization. This festival is an indispensable activity of Muong ethnic people. Khai Ha festival is a start for a new year, because after this ritual, the local people start the farming work or forest gathering and hunting ...

The festivals are often associated with the specific geographic, natural and social characteristics of the long-existing resident communities. The restoration, conservation and promotion of the traditional festivals, especially at the beginning of spring not only honour and preserve the historical and cultural values to meet the people's need to enjoy culture, but also contribute to promoting and introducing the cultural identity of the ethnic people in Hoa Binh province to domestic and international tourists.

Bringing art to remote areas - promoting ethnic culture

Hoa Binh city - Vibrant community activities at cultural houses

Building a cultural conservation area for Muong ethnic group in Luy Ai hamlet

Phong Phu commune, Tan Lac district of Hoa Binh province, is widely regarded as the cultural heartland of the Muong ethnic group. Among its many traditional communities, Luy Ai hamlet (formerly Ai hamlet) stands out as a rare location where the customs and way of life of the Muong Bi people remain largely intact.

Truong Kha temple festival celebrates Muong cultural heritage

The Truong Kha temple festival, a distinctive cultural event held every three years in Vu Ban township, Lac Son district, returned recently with vibrant rituals and folk traditions of the Muong people. Located next to the Buoi River in the Muong Trao fields, the Truong Kha Temple is dedicated to the three Kun Dol deities, revered for teaching farming techniques, irrigation, weaving, and protecting the harvest.

Hoa Binh city residents enjoy upgraded cultural houses

The demand for spaces serving community activities of residents in various areas across Hoa Binh city has been satisfied as local cultural houses now feature modern, spacious facilities thanks to the effective implementation of Resolution No. 49/NQ-HDND issued on December 28, 2021 by the city People's Council, which approved the plan for reorganising, converting, and allocating land for the construction, repair, and expansion of cultural houses in Hoa Binh’s villages and residential areas until 2025.

Enhancing cultural and spiritual life in remote and ethnic minority areas

At the end of May, the Hoa Binh Provincial Ethnic Arts Troupe organized a series of performances for residents in Region 2 and Region 3 communes across the province. Bringing art to ethnic communities in remote, isolated, and especially disadvantaged areas has become a meaningful activity. These are not merely artistic performances but also journeys to disseminate cultural values, enrich spiritual life, and contribute to preserving the cultural identity of ethnic minorities.