A bustling market near the ancient Muong Va tower.

Arriving at Muong Va village, Sop Cop commune, on market day, we were impressed by the colorful atmosphere, imbued with the cultural spirit of the highlands, within the grounds of the ancient Muong Va tower. This was the first year the Sop Cop commune People's Committee organized the market with the theme "Spring Colors of the Highlands." The market was not only a place for exchanging goods, but also a cultural meeting point for the ethnic people of Sop Cop commune and the surrounding areas.

The "Spring Colors of the Highlands" market is held within the grounds of the Muong Va tower.

Arriving at the market, from afar, the Muong Va Tower stands out prominently on the high hill, its pen-like shape soaring against the blue sky. The five-story tower, approximately 13 meters high, boasts elegant yet sturdy architectural lines, creating a majestic and imposing presence. It serves as a cultural center for the Lao ethnic community living in the area. Right at the foot of the ancient tower, 20 stalls belonging to cooperatives and businesses in Sop Cop commune and neighboring communes such as Pung Banh, Muong Leo, Muong Lan, along with the 326 Economic -Defense Brigade, are neatly arranged, showcasing a variety of familiar mountain products such as smoked meat, dried bamboo shoots, cardamom, forest honey, seasonal vegetables, and traditional dishes with the distinctive flavors of the highlands.

Attracting visitors' attention are the stalls showcasing agricultural products and handicrafts that reflect the unique identity of Sop Cop commune, such as Muong Va sticky rice, Na Mon oranges, and traditional embroidered and woven brocade products. The brocade fabrics with their exquisite patterns and harmonious colors, created by the skillful hands of Lao ethnic women, are a popular choice for many women to buy as souvenirs.

The booth displays local agricultural products.

Mr. Nguyen Duy Phuong, Director of Nam Phuong Agricultural Cooperative in Sop Cop commune, shared: "Participating in this market fair, the cooperative is bringing glutinous rice products, a local specialty rice variety, ensuring quality and safety for consumers. Through this market fair, the cooperative hopes to promote the local agricultural product brand, connect with more consumption partners, and learn from experience in brand building and market expansion, contributing to increasing the value of rice and sustainable income for farmers in Sop Cop commune."

Besides the stalls, the market at the foot of the ancient tower is also vibrant with cultural and sporting activities such as tug-of-war, stick pushing, blindfolded duck catching, and crossbow shooting. Cheers and shouts of encouragement resound throughout the market, creating a lively spring festival atmosphere rich in the highland culture. Ms. Cam Thi Lieng, from Ban village, Sop Cop commune, happily said: "Coming to the market, besides buying and selling, I also get to meet and interact with people from other villages and communes, clearly feeling the spring atmosphere coming. I hope the market will be held regularly so that people have a place to trade and meet."

The booth of the 326th Economic-Defense Brigade.

Maintaining and developing traditional crafts associated with the market fair not only contributes to preserving cultural identity but also creates jobs and increases income for many people in the area. Mr. Nguyen Van Manh, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Sop Cop commune, said: Choosing to organize the market fair at the foot of the ancient Muong Va tower is a suitable way to connect the historical site and develop tourism. In the future, the People's Committee plans to maintain the market fair once a month, in addition to developing trade, it will also create opportunities to attract tourism to the border region.

For generations, the ancient Muong Va tower has remained a center of cultural and religious activity for the ethnic communities living here. During traditional festivals such as "Xen Muong" and "Khau Ho," people from the region flock here to watch the festivities, offer incense, and visit the historical site. A market is held right at the foot of the ancient tower, adding vibrancy to the space, both preserving the historical value and connecting it to daily life.

Cultural and sporting games held at the market attract a large number of participants.

The market at the foot of the ancient Muong Va tower is not only a place for exchanging goods, but also a point of intersection between the past and the present, between cultural heritage and contemporary life. It is believed that maintaining this regular market, combined with the preservation and promotion of the ancient tower's value, will contribute to opening up a sustainable economic and tourism development direction for Muong Va commune and the Sop Cop border region.

Source: https://baosonla.vn/thuong-mai-dich-vu/ron-rang-cho-phien-ben-thap-co-muong-va-rg9XrHHvg.html