Lively folk games at the beginning of spring.

As Tet (Lunar New Year) arrives and spring returns, when the peach blossoms bloom across the mountains and forests of Northwest Vietnam, the villages of Lao Cai province burst into festivities. Following the solemn and respectful ceremonies, the lively festivities begin with unique folk games – an indispensable part of every spring festival. The sounds of flutes, drums, and cheers blend with the spring air, creating a vibrant scene and becoming a lively highlight in the cultural life of the ethnic communities.

Lao Cai is bustling as it enters its biggest festival season of the year.

Lao Cai is home to many ethnic groups such as the Mong, Dao, Tay, Giay, Ha Nhi, Thai, and Xa Pho… Each ethnic group has its own customs and traditions, but a common feature in the New Year festivals is the presence of traditional folk games. These are not only recreational activities but also a way to transmit folk knowledge, express the spirit of chivalry, and the aspiration for a prosperous and happy life.

Visiting villages in localities such as Sa Pa, Bac Ha, Bat Xat, Si Ma Cai, Van Ban, Mu Cang Chai, and Luc Yen, it's easy to encounter the lively atmosphere of spring festivals with a series of games like throwing the ball, playing the swallow game, spinning tops, stick pushing, tug-of-war, archery, wrestling, blindfolded duck catching… Each game is a vivid snapshot reflecting the working life, daily activities, and worldview of the highland people.

People of various ethnic groups participate in stick-pushing competitions at the spring festival.

At the Gầu Tào Festival in Pha Long commune – a traditional festival of the Mong ethnic group – alongside solemn rituals for blessings and good fortune, the festive part with folk games always attracts a large number of participants. The melodious sound of the Mong flute blends with the cheers and shouts of encouragement, creating a lively atmosphere amidst the mountains and hills.

Throwing the ball - a traditional folk game of the Hmong people at the Gau Tao festival in Pha Long commune.

Ms. Giàng Seo Dẩu shared: “Every year, my family participates in the Gầu Tào Festival. I especially enjoy participating in folk games like throwing the ball, tug-of-war, and other traditional games… Everyone plays together and has a lot of fun; everyone is enthusiastic and excited.”

People play sack racing at the Lồng Tồng Festival.

The spring festival atmosphere is also vibrant at the Lồng Tồng Festival (Going Down to the Fields Festival) of the Tay ethnic group in Văn Bàn. This is an important ritual marking the beginning of a new production year, praying for a bountiful harvest and peace in the village. After the ceremony of worshipping the god of agriculture, the people eagerly participate in the festivities with various traditional games.

Ms. Hoang Thi Phan from Lang Chut village, Van Ban commune, shared: “Every year, the locality organizes the Going Down to the Fields Festival, with fun activities like throwing the ball, playing the swallow game, tug-of-war, wrestling, blindfolded duck catching… The festival is not only to pray for a good harvest but also an opportunity for descendants to remember their roots, cherish the values ​​left by their ancestors, and preserve them for future generations.”

Blindfolded duck catching - an indispensable folk game in every spring festival.

Locals demonstrate their skill on the monkey bridge.

Traditional folk games are a beautiful cultural feature deeply rooted in tradition. They not only showcase the skills, dexterity, and strength of the participants but also create a vibrant spring atmosphere, conveying wishes for a prosperous new year and a life of abundance and happiness. Through these games, people are encouraged to improve their health, strengthen their solidarity, and work diligently in production from the very beginning of the year.

Traditional folk games contribute to creating a lively and joyful atmosphere on the first day of the Lunar New Year.

Affirming the role of folk games in community cultural life, Dr. Duong Tuan Nghia - Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of the province, said: “Folk games in spring festivals are not simply recreational activities but also a very effective method of transmitting culture within the community. Through them, the values ​​of solidarity, community spirit, and labor and production skills of ethnic minorities are preserved and promoted.”

Archery competitions during the spring festival in Bat Xat showcase the martial spirit and skills of the highland people.

To ensure that folk games fully preserve their traditional cultural and spiritual values ​​during the festival, the Monument Management Board, the Festival Organizing Committee, and the local authorities have intensified propaganda and guidance to encourage people to adopt civilized behavior; organized activities according to proper rituals and ensured safety; and at the same time, stepped up inspections and promptly handled violations, preventing any distortion or offensive behavior.

Linking the preservation of folk games with the development of community tourism is also being implemented in many localities in a sustainable manner. Tourists visiting Lao Cai not only get to enjoy the natural scenery but also have the opportunity to participate in and experience traditional games.

Susan, an American tourist, enjoyed watching the traditional spring games of the ethnic minorities in Lao Cai.

Susan, an American tourist, shared: “I feel very lucky and delighted to participate in the local Tay festival. This is my first time attending a traditional festival with so many lively rituals and games. I am truly impressed with the culture of the people here.”

The atmosphere was lively with the tug-of-war game at the Gầu Tào Festival.

Every spring, amidst the mountains and white clouds, traditional folk games maintain their unique place in community life. The joyful laughter in the festival grounds not only spreads happiness within the community but also forms a strong bond connecting the past with the present, contributing to the preservation and enrichment of the national cultural heritage. From these traditional values ​​passed down through each festival season, the highland villages of Lao Cai gain a solid spiritual foundation to enter the new spring with faith, enthusiasm, and aspirations for sustainable development.

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/ron-rang-tro-choi-dan-gian-dau-xuan-post894264.html