The spinning tops rotate steadily, the pao balls fly back and forth in the sky, the lively jingling of traditional costumes... - a space rich in the colors of Mong ethnic culture, but not in a remote village, but right in the heart of the city. This is the cultural space at the cultural and sports exchange meeting of the Lao Cai Mong Ethnic Culture Club on the eve of the Lunar New Year 2026.
Despite the light drizzle on the weekend, the atmosphere at the gathering in Yen Bai ward was lively and warm. Club members and non-members alike happily reunited, bringing with them a sense of pride in their national identity.
Ms. Sung Thi May, the club's chairperson, shared: "The meeting and exchange aim to strengthen bonds, promote and preserve the cultural identity of the Mong ethnic group, create a beneficial playground, and promote the beautiful traditional customs of the Mong ethnic group in Lao Cai province before the New Year."
In the joyful and lively atmosphere of this gathering, the traditional Mong ethnic cultural and sports activities were eagerly awaited by many. Three young students, Ly Thi Hong, Ly Thi Sang, and Dinh Thi Cua (Yen Bai Vocational College), dressed in splendid attire, their cheeks radiant with youthful energy, and their eyes sparkling with joy as the pao ball flew back and forth, were captivated. Ly Thi Hong, a Mong girl from Pung Luong commune, had recently left home to study in the city. Having learned about the club from her friends, Hong eagerly awaited this day: "I get to throw the pao ball as a way to ease my homesickness."
In one corner, the pao balls seem to fly endlessly through the sky without falling, while in another, the spinning tops, under the strength and skillful technique of the Hmong youth, spin endlessly without stopping. If the spinning tops thrown by the young Hmong men are the result of youthful energy, then those thrown by the older generation are a testament to their experience in this traditional sport. Among them, some throw the spinning tops as a way of reminiscing about their youthful years, enjoying festivities with friends in their old villages.
The club's sporting activities.
Throwing pao, pushing sticks, playing spinning tops – these folk games and traditional sports are vibrant and lively, filled with the cheers of the spectators. The cultural performances and costume show once again provide an opportunity for the Hmong culture to be clearly and captivatingly showcased through its rich sounds, melodies, and distinctive patterns. Performances of flute music such as "Spring Comes to the Hmong Village" and "Calling a Friend by the Stream" were delivered with great passion.
Vàng A Vư, a Mong ethnic minority from Pang Cáng commune, Văn Chấn district, who is currently studying at the Arts Department of Yên Bái Vocational College, also participated in the meeting. Today, A Vư was very happy to perform a Mong flute solo with his friends. A Vư shared: "When I learned about this activity through friends, I thought I definitely had to participate to interact and share my love for the Mong flute - a traditional instrument of my ethnic group."
Playing the flute, strumming the zither, performing stick dances with coin rattles, singing Hmong folk songs... all were performed by young people with a love for their ethnic culture. Each performance was an affirmation of their identity and their love for their homeland.
The traditional costume competition is an opportunity for Hmong girls to tell the story of nature and the earth intertwined, conveyed through every stitch and seam, showcasing the skill and finesse of Hmong women. Beyond being closely connected to daily life, Hmong clothing is also a symbol of ethnic identity, a source of pride passed down through generations, contributing to the vibrant tapestry of their culture.
Giàng Thị Dín shared: "I was born and raised in Mường Khương commune. Today, I'm showcasing the traditional costume of the Hmong Hoa people, also known as Hmong Lềnh. The outfit includes a split-front blouse, skirt, front and back bodice, belt, leg wraps, and a hat. The shoulders, chest, sleeves, and leg wraps are all embroidered with delicate patterns. The pleated skirt flares gently, creating a soft and graceful movement. The hat is made from traditional black fabric. Everything creates a harmonious look, showcasing the skill of the Hmong Hoa women."
Sung Thi Hoa, a girl from Tram Tau commune, also had the opportunity to showcase the beauty of the Mong Si ethnic group's traditional clothing. "The Mong Si traditional clothing is distinguished by its indigo color scheme. On the indigo-dyed fabric are exquisite hand-embroidered patterns that demonstrate the skill of Mong women and convey their hopes for a peaceful and prosperous life. I hope to spread the beauty of Mong Si traditional clothing to a wider community," Sung Thi Hoa expressed.
In the heart of the city, a warm and friendly gathering of the Hmong community takes place, a beautiful cultural space rich in Hmong identity, filled with pride from each participant. For years, the club's cultural exchange activities have continued regularly, naturally spreading Hmong culture throughout the city.
Ms. Giang Thi Ly (residential group 6 Yen Thinh, Van Phu ward), a Mong woman from Pung Luong commune, has been away from her hometown for 18 years and has been a member of the club since its inception. "The club is truly a warm and friendly home, and most importantly, it allows us to preserve and spread the beautiful traditional culture of our ethnic group. I have never missed a single meeting or gathering of the club," Ms. Ly proudly and happily shared.
They live in Yen Bai ward and surrounding areas.
Although not a member of the club, during a visit to see her daughter studying at Yen Bai Vocational College, Ms. Giang Thi My from Hang Co village, Nam Co commune, still donned traditional attire and joined in the club's exchange activities.
Ms. My expressed: "I didn't think that in the middle of the city there would be such cultural and sporting activities with such strong Hmong ethnic identity. I feel happy and even more proud of my ethnic culture."
From an initial size of 60 members, including 25 core members, the club has now grown to 35 core members, attracting increasing interest and participation from the Hmong people in the area. Mr. Giang Manh Hiep, a police officer from Si Ma Cai province, currently working at the provincial center, after learning about the club's activities, actively responded by contributing his songs and joining in the lively exchange of the program.
Perhaps, pride in national culture is something that each club member clearly feels together, as the club's leader, Sung Thi May, shared with the members:
We live in the city, a center of socio-economic development, where many different ethnic groups with diverse cultural identities intertwine, blend, and learn from each other, creating a common unity. Among them, each of us is always proud of the unique and distinctive culture of the Hmong people, imbued with human warmth, love for our homeland, and patriotism...
Source: https://baolaocai.vn/lan-toa-ban-sac-van-hoa-mong-giua-long-pho-post892805.html
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