The biggest market of the year in Sin Cheng is bustling with activity.

In the days leading up to Tet (Lunar New Year), while mist still blankets the high mountain peaks, people from all over the villages flock to the center of Sin Cheng commune, Lao Cai province. Today is Wednesday – the day of the Sin Cheng market day, but more importantly, this is the last market day of the old year, a place that encapsulates the joy and hope for a prosperous Tet for the people of the highlands.

The year-end market in Sín Chéng is bustling with activity.

At dawn, people from Sin Cheng and neighboring communes flocked to the market from all directions. Some carried baskets of agricultural products, others led pigs and chickens, hoping to sell them at a good price to earn extra money for Tet (Lunar New Year) celebrations for their families.

The busiest and most bustling areas were the clothing stalls. Handcrafted dresses and blouses made by the Hmong people, with their intricate patterns and vibrant colors, were hung side by side, creating a dazzling "rainbow" amidst the mountains and forests.

Giàng A Pao, from Nàn Sín village, Sín Chéng commune, carefully selected new clothes for his children while sharing: "Today, I came to the market early to buy clothes for my children and wife to wear for Tet. This year, my family will celebrate Tet on a grand scale because of a good harvest. Seeing the market bustling and meeting many familiar faces makes me feel like Tet is just around the corner."

The stalls selling traditional brocade clothing are always bustling with customers.

Not only the buyers, but also the vendors couldn't hide their joy at this unusually bustling atmosphere. Ms. Sung Thi Giong, a vendor at the market, excitedly said: "This is the busiest market day of the year because it's almost Tet (Lunar New Year). I sell children's clothes and have had many customers."

Besides the need for clothing, people in the highlands, who are closely associated with farming, find that stalls selling agricultural tools are always an important stop. Sharp knives, hoes, and shovels, all meticulously handcrafted, are displayed in abundance on the stalls.

Mr. Sung Seo Chu, from Pho Cu village, Si Ma Cai commune, is carefully selecting a new knife, saying: "I'm buying this knife to use for farming and weeding after Tet. After Tet, I have to go back to the fields right away, so I have to choose a really good knife."

Stalls selling agricultural tools also attract a lot of attention at the year-end market.

Ms. Lam Thi Tuyet, a small trader selling agricultural tools and household goods, said that purchasing power has increased sharply this year: "Today is the last market of the year, so there are significantly more people than in previous weeks. They buy knives, hoes, and shovels not only for use during Tet (Lunar New Year) such as butchering pigs and slicing meat, but also to prepare for production after Tet."

As midday approached, the market grew increasingly crowded. The fragrant aroma of thang co (a traditional stew) and the strong scent of corn wine permeated the air. In the food section, local pork and fresh vegetables were quickly traded among the vendors.

The people of Sín Chéng bring their homegrown agricultural products to sell at the market.

If the Sín Chéng market were a painting, its most essential element would be the cultural exchange between people. In one corner of the market, the atmosphere suddenly becomes quieter but also more artistic with the appearance of Hmong flutes.

Here, the Hmong men come not only to sell their flutes, but also to find kindred spirits. The sound of the flute, sometimes low, sometimes high, resonates like a love song from the mountains and forests.

The Hmong boys bring their flutes to the market to socialize.

Giàng A Bả, from Mào Sao Phìn village, Sín Chéng commune, who brings his bamboo flute to the market for socializing, shared: "I come to the market mainly to socialize with friends. Sitting together, playing a flute tune, and drinking a bowl of wine makes me feel like Tet (Vietnamese New Year) has arrived."

Radiant smiles and warm handshakes, symbolizing close relationships after a year of hard work, are everywhere. For the people of Sín Chéng, the year-end market is not only a place to exchange goods but also a place to relieve hardships and send good wishes for a new year of abundant harvests.

A bustling atmosphere at the biggest market of the year in Sin Cheng.

The Sín Chéng market closed as the sun began to set behind the other side of the mountain. The baskets were emptied of agricultural products but filled with sweets, new clothes, and hope.

Despite the hardships of life, the bustling and joyful atmosphere of the year-end market demonstrates the vibrant spirit and unique, unmistakable culture of the local people. Sín Chéng is ready to welcome a new spring – a season of reunion and promising new beginnings.

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/nhon-nhip-phien-cho-lon-nhat-trong-nam-tai-sin-cheng-post893524.html