The fire dance ceremony of the Dao people in Ha Giang.

The Fire Dance Ceremony (also known as Cau Tao) is a unique and beautiful spiritual and cultural tradition, imbued with the mystique and wildness of the Red Dao people in Ha Giang province. It is not only a religious ritual but also a symbol of strength, courage, and the connection between humans and the spirit world.

The festival is divided into two distinct parts: the ceremonial part and the celebratory part .

• The ritual: The shaman (the most respected and powerful person) will perform prayers in the Dao language to invite the spirits and ancestors to witness the ceremony. The shaman uses musical instruments such as bells, drums, and gongs to create rhythm.
• The fire dance: This is the most dramatic part. After the shaman performs the ritual, the participating boys (who have been "possessed") enter a trance-like state. They rush into the blazing embers, scooping up coals with their bare hands or dancing barefoot on the fire without getting burned or feeling any pain .