The theme “Folk Market – Welcoming New Year 2024” sets the tone for December activities at the Cultural – Tourism Village of Vietnamese Ethnic Groups (Dong Mo, Son Tay, Hanoi). The purpose is to showcase the cultural aspects of the new spring through culinary culture and the rituals, festivals, and customs of various ethnic groups.
The December program sees the participation of over 100 compatriots from 16 ethnic groups (Nung, Tay, Dao, Mong, Muong, Lao, Thai, Kho Mu, Ta Oi, Ba Na, Xo Dang, Gia Rai, Co Tu, Raglai, E De, Khmer) engaging in diverse and distinctive activities:
Tet Highland Market: Recreating the culturally vibrant atmosphere of highland ethnic groups joyfully welcoming the year 2024 at the “common house.” The 50 booths and the Phu La ethnic area combine the market atmosphere with entertainment spaces featuring folk songs, traditional dances, folk games, culinary spaces, and agricultural products showcasing the vibrant colors of ethnic cultures.
Highland Market
Tourism Presentation Space: Introducing the tourism products of Xin Man district, Ha Giang; showcasing traditional cuisine and catering to the needs of visitors during their exploration.
Introduction to Khen Traditional Folk Dance of the H’Mong Ethnic Group: H’Mong ethnic artists will perform solo and paired H’Mong flute dances, introducing the structure of the flute and its usage to fellow compatriots and tourists. The artists will facilitate an interactive experience, allowing everyone to engage and exchange thoughts about the H’Mong ethnic flute melodies.
Introduction and Artistic Presentation of Embroidery, Shadowing Black Fabric, and the Beauty of Costumes of Nung, H’Mong, and Dao Ethnic Groups: The traditional costumes of each ethnic group exhibit distinct styles and decorative patterns. Alongside the skillful hands and aesthetic sensibilities of young women, these traditional outfits are complemented by essential accessories such as various silver necklaces and bracelets, showcasing the unique cultural identity of each ethnic community.
Five-Color Sticky Rice Cooking and New Year Feast Competition: The competition immerses visitors in the rich cultural tapestry of the northern ethnic communities. From the preparation of raw materials to pounding grains into rice and cooking rice over natural fire, the process is a testament to the authentic cultural practices of the northern people. Three teams participate in the competition, each presenting three varieties of colorful sticky rice: Red rice, known as “khau deng,” soaked with the “khau deng” plant; Purple rice, known as “khau cam,” soaked with the “khau cam” plant; Yellow rice, known as “khau luong,” soaked with “bo phon” flowers; Green rice, known as “khau kheo,” soaked with glutinous rice or pandan leaves; White rice, known as “khau don,” left as is. Subsequently, the artisans will present a spread of the five-color sticky rice feast to introduce to the visitors.
Paper Horse Dance of the H’Mong Ethnic Group
Reenacting the Harvest Festival of the Dao Ethnic Group in Xin Man District, Ha Giang: The harvest festival of the Dao people is a solemn occasion, involving the entire community and members of the ethnic group residing in a village or region at the end of the year or the beginning of the new year. The village elders, village leaders, priests, and community members gather to prepare for the ritual, including the selection of priests, preparation of ceremonial offerings, choosing the location, and determining the day of the ceremony. The ceremony is usually held on the days of Thìn or Sửu, as according to the Dao people’s belief, organizing it on these days brings good luck to the village. Through traditional rituals and the dance of the harvest festival, reverence is shown to the forest spirits, mountain deities, sky gods, and earth spirits. This is not only a showcase of the unique traditions of the Dao people but also a demonstration of the profound spiritual significance in their cultural life.
Reenacting the New House Ceremony of the Lao Ethnic Group in Son La Province: For the Lao ethnic group from Soc Cop District, Son La Province, and generally for ethnic communities in Vietnam, building or renovating a house is a significant event. Therefore, from ancient times to the present, the ceremony of entering a new house for the Lao ethnic group is an indispensable celebration upon completing the construction of a new house or moving into a new one. It is a genuine community celebration. Through the new house welcoming ceremony, visitors have the opportunity to experience the distinctive traditional culture of the Lao ethnic group, enjoy unique local cuisine, and witness outstanding folk performances and traditional dances.
Additionally, there are activities showcasing the culture, cuisine, traditional games, and performances of traditional arts by various ethnic groups living in the village. The folk dance program “Spring Market” by the communities of ethnic groups in the northern highlands market space, along with weekend activities and daily events, promises to provide visitors with many fascinating experiences.