Simple and rustic Tet market in Hop Thanh.

More than just a place for exchanging goods, the Tet (Lunar New Year) market is also a vibrant cultural tapestry, where the scents of the mountains and forests blend with the warmth of human connection. Visiting the Hop Thanh - Ta Phoi highland cultural market (now part of Hop Thanh commune), held every Sunday, locals and tourists alike can experience such a market – rustic, simple, and lively.

People excitedly head to the Tet market in Hop Thanh highland.

From dawn, while the mist still hung thick, Ms. Ngo Thi Sinh from Hop Thanh commune busily prepared to go to the market. Her old motorbike quietly started, with a bunch of green vegetables and a few fish she intended to sell behind her. The winding road, over ten kilometers long, was bitterly cold in the early morning wind, but she went every week, sometimes to sell vegetables or fish, sometimes just to meet friends, to ease her longing for the market atmosphere.

Upon arriving, Ms. Sinh parked her motorbike and gently brushed off the dew still clinging to the seat. Before her eyes, Hop Thanh - Ta Phoi market was much livelier than usual. The sounds of motorbikes mingled with footsteps and the calls of people, creating the characteristic sounds of a highland market during Tet (Lunar New Year). Ms. Sinh smiled gently: "I go to the market every week to buy and sell essential goods, and also to meet relatives and friends. The market is much livelier before Tet than usual, and I feel a sense of excitement in my heart."

These small stalls exude a distinctly rural charm.

Indeed, the Tet atmosphere has permeated every corner of the market. From the vibrant brocade dresses of the Mong, Dao, Tay, and Xa Pho women to the heavy baskets of goods on their backs, everything creates a colorful space. People from all the villages and even neighboring communes and wards have gathered here. Everyone is taking the opportunity to choose some mountain and forest delicacies for their families to prepare for the New Year.

On hastily spread tarpaulins, baskets of fresh green vegetables still damp with morning dew, fragrant cardamom pods, glistening bottles of wild honey, and succulent cuts of local pork are displayed for sale in a simple yet alluring way. Each product carries a story of the mountains and forests. As the vendors weigh their goods, they recount stories of this year's harvest, the rapid growth of their pigs, the secrets of traditional corn wine fermentation, or how to wrap the fragrant, flavorful black sticky rice cakes of the Tay people.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Luong (Ben Den village, Gia Phu commune), carrying a basket, her eyes constantly scanning the crowded stalls, said with a smile, "This is only my second time at Hop Thanh market. I'm here to see if there's anything suitable to buy for my family. I was happy last time, but today is even busier, with more goods. Just walking around and looking at the Tet goods makes me feel like Tet is very close."

Flowers and food items for Tet (Lunar New Year) are in high demand.

In a corner of the market, Ms. Tran Thi Vuong from Cam Duong ward was busily rearranging the bright red hanging decorations and stacks of newly arrived lucky money envelopes. Her hands moved quickly, her eyes always following the flow of people. “Besides the usual items I sell, during Tet I import more decorations, beauty products, balloons, lucky money envelopes… There are more customers, and more buying and selling. It’s tiring but very enjoyable!” – Ms. Vuong shared while bending down to adjust a small flower pot in front of her stall.

Bright red envelopes, sparkling decorations, and simple peach blossom branches add vibrancy to the market. Quiet and unpretentious, Hop Thanh market retains its inherent rustic charm. There, tradition and modern life coexist, interwoven in every glance and smile.

Mr. Hoang An Tien, from Ben Pha village, Gia Phu commune, is more than 10 kilometers from Hop Thanh market, but he comes every week. However, the market day before Tet (Lunar New Year) still gives him a very different feeling. "Going to the rural market during Tet is so much fun! Not only can you freely admire and choose Tet goods with diverse designs and types, but shoppers also get to meet each other, chat, and wish each other a peaceful new year," he said.

People going to the market seem to bring spring home with them.

As the sun rose higher, its rays gradually dispelled the mist, and the goods on the stalls dwindled. Ms. Ngo Thi Sinh from Hop Thanh commune had sold all her merchandise. She bought some more cakes, fruits, and other necessary food items to take home. Before starting her motorbike, she chatted happily with a few friends and said, "See you next time!"

The Hop Thanh market on the eve of Tet (Lunar New Year) concludes with mixed feelings of nostalgia and excitement. Buyers and sellers return to their villages, carrying not only goods but also the warmth of reunions and New Year's greetings. Amidst the ever-changing pace of life, this highland market retains the simple, genuine character of the mountain people. And so, each spring, amidst the fading peach blossoms and white plum blossoms, people eagerly await another market day – where laughter, conversation, and New Year's wishes continue to resonate throughout the vast mountains.

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/moc-mac-cho-tet-hop-thanh-post893757.html