Connecting communities through traditional festivals

BHG - Traditional festivals are not only cultural beauty but also a bridge connecting the community, helping people get closer together, share joy and preserve national identity. Festivals still play an important role in modern life, strengthening solidarity and spreading cultural values.

Every year on the 8th day of the Lunar New Year, Thanh Thuy Commune, Vi Xuyen District, organises the Long Tong (going to the field) Festival, which has spiritual significance and creates a vibrant community living space.

Tug of war - a collective activity that requires a high spirit of solidarity.

The festival takes place solemnly with rituals of shamans, village elders, and food trays by families, demonstrating solidarity. The festival is bustling with activities such as art festivals, 'con' throwing, and tug of war.

In particular, the festival attracts a large number of people. Adults maintain rituals and guide their children and grandchildren in preparing offerings, while young people join in folk games, strengthening the relationship between generations and the community.

Chairwoman of Thanh Thuy Commune People's Committee, Nguyen Thi Tuyen, affirmed that the festival helps strengthen solidarity and remind people of the responsibility to preserve heritage.

Similarly, on the 5th day of the Lunar New Year, Chien Pho Commune, Hoang Su Phi District, organises the Gau Tao Festival, one of the most important festivals of the Mong people, to thank heaven and earth, pray for blessings and wish for a bountiful harvest.

More importantly, this is an opportunity for the community to unite and maintain cultural identity. In the Mong people's concept, Gau Tao is not only for one family but is a common event for the whole village. The elderly guide the ritual, young men erect the pole, women prepare offerings, and children eagerly participate.

After the ritual, the festival is bustling with panpipe dancing, flute playing, pao throwing, and folk games such as spinning tops, tug of war, and stilt walking, helping to strengthen the spirit of solidarity.

Lu Thi Diem, living far from home, shared her excitement when returning to the festival, meeting relatives, and participating in traditional activities.

Festivals such as Gau Tao or Long Tong are not only occasions to thank heaven and earth but also help unite the community and maintain village and neighborhood relationships.

Preserving and promoting festival values ​preserves national identity and creates momentum for cultural and socio-economic development in the new era.

NGUYEN YEM