The Muong village in Bac Tra My is bustling with activity celebrating Independence Day.

Scenes from the ceremony of offering incense and reporting achievements to President Ho Chi Minh. Photo: PHAN VINH — A view of the ceremony of offering incense and reporting achievements to President Ho Chi Minh. Photo: PHAN VINH

The Muong village here has about 25 households, all from Lac Son district ( Hoa Binh province) who came to clear land and settle here in 1985-1986. For over 30 years, the Muong people have lived in harmony with the local Ca Dong and Co people in Bac Tra My. Over the years, the Muong people have always preserved and promoted their traditional way of life and culture, just like in Hoa Binh province, in this new land, contributing to the colorful cultural beauty of the Muong community tourism village in the Tra Giang mountain region.

[ VIDEO ] - The atmosphere of Independence Day celebrations among the Muong people in Bac Tra My:

The Muong people's Independence Day festival here, held at the Cultural House of Hamlet 3 (Tra Giang Commune), begins with a procession of offerings to the shrine. After the shaman performs the traditional rituals, all local leaders and villagers offer incense to commemorate President Ho Chi Minh. The shaman, representing the village, prays for favorable weather, a bountiful harvest, and minimal pest infestations. The ceremony concludes with a report of achievements to President Ho Chi Minh, presented by the village chief of the Muong community.

A shaman offers incense to President Ho Chi Minh during a ritual. Photo: PHAN VINH

After the ceremony, the villagers returned to the traditional house at the end of the Muong village to play folk games such as tug-of-war, throwing the ball, bamboo pole dancing, and playing the "danh mang" game. They also performed traditional Muong dances with drums and gongs, sang folk songs, and played traditional musical instruments like the zither and flute.

The Muong people play the traditional game of throwing bamboo sticks amidst the cheers of tourists. Photo: PHAN VINH

In addition, there was a competition to prepare typical Muong dishes such as: three-colored sticky rice, chicken cooked with bamboo shoots, meat wrapped in pomelo leaves, cassava bone soup, boiled wild vegetables, grilled frog, rice wine, etc. The prizes for the competitions were local products such as rice wine, duck, chicken, frog, wild bamboo shoots, purple sugarcane, wild vegetables, etc.

People playing the traditional game of throwing the ball. Photo: PHAN VINH — People play the traditional game of throwing the ball. Photo: PHAN VINH

Over the years, the Muong community tourism village in Tra Giang has received support for its establishment, attracting tourists. Many people know about this place because of its unique identity. This year's Independence Day celebration is even more lively and bustling thanks to the support from the government and the cultural sector in promoting and attracting tourists to participate in the festival.

[VIDEO] - The organizers share about the significance of the Muong people's Independence Day festival: