The bustling spring market of Chiềng Hặc

In the final days of the year, we had the opportunity to visit Muong Lum village, Chieng Hac commune, to participate in the Spring Market. From early morning, people from the highland villages called each other to come to the market, some carrying agricultural products, others bringing a few handicrafts... creating a bustling atmosphere of trade.

Entering the market grounds, one is impressed by the 15 stalls of the villages and socio -political organizations in the area, displaying familiar products of the highlands, reflecting the rich cultural colors of the ethnic groups living in Chiềng Hặc commune, such as: rice, taro, green vegetables, smoked meat; brocade and wooden goods characteristic of Chiềng Hặc commune… Although the goods are not yet very diverse, the laughter and sincere greetings make the market even more lively.

Exchange and trade of local goods.

The stalls most favored by the women at the market were those selling brocade fabrics, bracelets, silver rings, and other items. While selling their goods, the women would take the opportunity to embroider on fabrics at their stalls, chatting and skillfully working with their nimble hands. Each piece of fabric was the culmination of traditional weaving techniques, from spinning the yarn and dyeing to completing the patterns, reflecting the daily life and cultural traditions of the highland people.

Traditional clothing items are being sold by local people.

Present at the market early to help the villagers set up their stalls, Mr. Vu Lao Tenh, Party Secretary and Head of On Oc village, said: "On Oc village brought to the market agricultural products made by the villagers themselves, such as: snow tea, pumpkins, water hyacinth, cypress trees... This year, the commune organized a very joyful market, everyone was excited, and the atmosphere was completely different from usual."

Handcrafted products made from cypress wood are available for sale.

Local people are selling their agricultural products.

Besides the buying and selling activities, the market atmosphere becomes even more vibrant as cultural events begin. In the spacious courtyard, the sound of the Hmong flute resonates, sometimes calm, sometimes lively, as if inviting friends in. Held during the traditional New Year of the Hmong people, the sounds of the flutes and pipes blend with the crowds descending to the market, mingling with footsteps, laughter, and conversation, creating a springtime atmosphere rich in the cultural identity of the highlands.

In a conversation with us, Mr. Mua Lao Nu, a Hmong flute artisan from Co Sai village, Chieng Hac commune, shared: "The Hmong flute is like the voice of the Hmong people; it's something that has been connected to our community for generations. When there's a market day or a spring festival, the sound of the flute makes the people happier. I hope that the younger generation will still know how to play the flute and preserve the culture of our people."

Many cultural and artistic activities are organized at the market.

Young Hmong women happily participate in the market fair.

Although it was the first year the market was organized, the local authorities intensified their publicity efforts on social media before the event took place, so many visitors from neighboring areas learned about it and participated.

Ms. Ha Van Anh, a tourist from Phu Tho province, said: "This is the first time my family and I have come to Chieng Hac, and it coincides with the spring market; the atmosphere is so lively, and the locals are very friendly. I am especially impressed with the agricultural products on display, simple yet distinctly highland, and incredibly fresh and delicious."

The booth of the youth union of Chiềng Hặc commune.

The booth of Dao village, Chieng Hac commune.

Agricultural products are traded and sold by many people.

Chiềng Hặc commune was established by merging three communes: Chiềng Hặc, Tú Nang, and Mường Lựm. It has a natural area of ​​nearly 240 km², with 41 villages and a population of over 18,000 people. Operating under a two-tiered local government model, despite facing many difficulties, the commune is gradually stabilizing its organization and moving forward on a new path with the determination of the political system and the consensus of the people.

Mr. Cao Xuan Dung, Chairman of the People's Committee of Chieng Hac commune, said: "This year, the commune's People's Committee organized a market fair, creating more community space for the people and gradually promoting the exchange and circulation of goods. The market fair was enthusiastically received by the people, which is a prerequisite for the commune to continue planning to organize market fairs in the coming years."

The spring market is not only a place for buying and selling goods, but also an opportunity for people in the highland villages to meet, interact, and strengthen community solidarity. Through this, it contributes to promoting the unique cultural features of the ethnic minorities, opening up hopes for more prosperous springs and bringing about a brighter future for the people of Chiềng Hặc highland region.

Source: https://baosonla.vn/van-hoa-xa-hoi/nhon-nhip-phien-cho-xuan-chieng-hac-Xr2cWTNDR.html