The unique traditional stream fishing festival of Toan Thang commune.

On May 14th, Toan Thang commune, Phu Tho province, held its traditional stream fishing festival for 2026. The festival attracted a large number of local people and tourists from within and outside the province.

The traditional stream fishing festival in Toan Thang commune is a unique folk cultural activity of the Muong people in the area.

The traditional stream fishing festival in Toan Thang commune is a unique folk cultural activity associated with the rice- farming agricultural life of the ancient Muong people, now residing in Chieng Doi, Doi Be, and Tan Lap hamlets of Toan Thang commune. According to folk beliefs, after completing the rice planting, people organize collective fishing in the streams to pray for favorable weather, a bountiful harvest, and a prosperous and happy life.

From early morning, the festival grounds in Tan Lap hamlet, along with the streams of Khoang Lo and Khoang Tlo, were bustling with the sounds of gongs and drums, and the vibrant colors of traditional costumes of the Muong ethnic people. Local people and tourists enthusiastically immersed themselves in cultural activities, sports , and folk games that reflected the unique identity of the ancient Muong region.

The festival, also known as the "Rice Weeding Festival," carries profound spiritual significance and gratitude towards the ancestors who pioneered the land, guided the people in rice cultivation, and fishing. According to Muong legend, Hun, Hin, and Khang Ba Uoi Tluc were instrumental in building dams, digging irrigation canals, and teaching production techniques to the local inhabitants. Therefore, the largest fish caught are selected by the people to offer to the tutelary deity at the temple as a sacred ritual, expressing gratitude to their ancestors.

The highlight of the festival is the collective fishing activity in the streams. Hundreds of locals, dressed in traditional work clothes and carrying nets, traps, and seines, head down to the streams to catch fish amidst the enthusiastic cheers and encouragement of tourists on both banks. The festival atmosphere is further enlivened by competitions and experiential activities such as raft rowing, net casting, crossbow shooting, tug-of-war, swimming, volleyball, and cross-country running. These folk games attract a large number of young people and tourists, creating a unique space for community cultural exchange. Within the festival grounds, the organizers also display stalls selling local produce and OCOP (One Commune One Product) products to serve visitors.

A new feature of the 2026 festival is the integration of cultural activities with environmental protection and the regeneration of aquatic resources. Before the opening ceremony, the local authorities released fish into the Khoang Lo area to replenish natural aquatic resources.

TRAN HAO

Source: https://nhandan.vn/doc-dao-le-hoi-danh-ca-suoi-truyen-thong-xa-toan-thang-post962198.html