Independence Day of the Hmong people in Lao Chai

In the minds of the Hmong people in Lao Chai commune, a mountainous area of ​​Lao Cai province, Independence Day (National Day, September 2nd) holds great significance.

This is not only a significant anniversary but also a true New Year's Day, just like the traditional Tet holiday, bringing joy, excitement, and pride. People wear their most vibrant costumes, eagerly descending the mountains... all creating a dazzling cultural tapestry intertwined with the flow of the nation's history.

The Hmong people in Lao Chai commune, Lao Cai province, happily celebrate Independence Day.

As the morning mist still clung to the mountain slopes, the sound of the bamboo flute echoed throughout the village. In Co De Seng B village, amidst a sacred and eager atmosphere, the family of village chief Giang A Cheo diligently cleaned their house, neatly rearranged the portrait of President Ho Chi Minh, and the national flag fluttered proudly in front of their house, ready to welcome the great holiday.

Sitting by the fireplace, Mr. Giàng A Cheo recounted to his children and grandchildren the historical milestone of 1945, when President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence. Since then, like the rest of the country, the Hmong people have had an additional "New Year's Day," the Independence Day Tet. This is an occasion for the people to express their profound gratitude to the Party and the State, and to commemorate the immense contributions of President Ho Chi Minh.

"During Independence Day celebrations, everyone in the villages is excited. Many people, even those working far away, try to arrange to return home to meet up, share the joy, and feel national pride together," said Village Head Giàng A Cheo.

Groups of people, young and old, men and women, from remote villages dozens of kilometers from the center, descended the mountains together. Each face radiated joy and excitement. Strong young men gathered in the open spaces, enthusiastically playing traditional flutes and performing traditional dances. It was not just an artistic performance, but also a heartfelt expression of unity and the new life changing day by day in this land. Young men and women joined in folk games, pounded rice cakes, competed in weaving, their laughter echoing throughout the area...

In the past, people from the villages of Lao Chai commune had to walk all day to descend the mountain to celebrate Independence Day, sometimes starting from the afternoon before. Now, with socio-economic development, including the synchronized development of transportation infrastructure, roads have been paved with concrete to residential areas, making travel and trade more convenient for the people. Every household owns several motorbikes, and many families even own cars. Therefore, the need to walk all day is no longer necessary; it only takes about one or two hours for the whole family to arrive at the commune center. This year's Independence Day is even more meaningful as the localities have completed the consolidation and reorganization of the political system.

Speaking with us, Comrade Dao Thi Thu Thuy, Secretary of the Party Committee of Lao Chai commune, said: “The activities on Independence Day not only create excitement, joy, and motivation for people to continue striving to improve their lives, but also open the door to opportunities to attract tourists, making an important contribution to economic development and improving the quality of life for the people.”

People's Army Newspaper

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/tet-doc-lap-cua-nguoi-mong-o-lao-chai-post881052.html