A vibrant spring festival

The western part of Thanh Hoa province, home to the Thai, Muong, Tho, Mong, Dao, and Kho Mu ethnic groups, is renowned not only for its majestic natural landscapes but also for its unique traditional festivals held at the beginning of each year. These festivals not only hold spiritual significance but also deeply reflect the cultural life, customs, and spirit of solidarity of the ethnic communities in this region.

A procession carrying a palanquin during the opening ceremony of the sacred fish stream festival in Cam Luong commune.

One of the typical festivals is the Ban Bu Cultural and Tourism Festival (Ngoc Lac commune), held annually on the 18th and 19th of the first lunar month at the Ban Bu Cave scenic area. The Ban Bu Cultural and Tourism Festival is a unique cultural feature of the Muong ethnic people of Ngoc Lac commune, organized at the beginning of the new spring to promote the traditional cultural values ​​of the ethnic group, while also commemorating the great contributions and noble sacrifices of King Le Thai To and other Le kings, generals, and people who contributed to the Lam Son Uprising. The festival features traditional rituals such as: the procession of the sacred water palanquin, incense offerings, sacrificial ceremonies, and water offerings... During the festivities, locals and tourists can participate in and enjoy cultural performances showcasing traditional cultural identity, such as: Pồn Pôông dance, Xường Giao Duyên singing (a national intangible cultural heritage), Cây Bông dance, Phường Chúc dance... In addition, the festival also includes folk games, cultural performances, and traditional sports ...

In Linh Son commune, on the 6th and 7th of January each year, people from the commune and surrounding areas eagerly organize the Meo Pagoda Festival. Meo Pagoda, also known as Mieu Thien Temple, was built in the 13th century in Linh Son commune. The pagoda originated during the Tran Dynasty, originally named Chu Pagoda, and was considered one of the three largest pagodas in Thanh Hoa province at that time. Legend says that Le Loi and the Lam Son army once visited Chu Pagoda to offer incense and pray for the victory of the resistance war. After defeating the Ming invaders, Le Loi issued a decree changing the name of Chu Pagoda to Meo Pagoda.

According to Nguyen Ngoc Son, Chairman of the People's Committee of Linh Son commune, the Meo Pagoda Festival is organized on a large scale, with many rich spiritual, religious, cultural, artistic, and sports activities reflecting the unique culture of the ethnic groups in the commune. Through the festival, people express gratitude and remembrance to those who have contributed to the country, while also praying for prosperity, abundant harvests, and fostering patriotic traditions and national pride. This encourages all levels of the population to build a prosperous, beautiful, and civilized homeland. Currently, Meo Pagoda is a provincial-level historical and cultural relic, a scenic spot, and an attractive cultural and spiritual tourism destination for tourists and locals alike.

In addition, there are many other spring festivals in the western part of Thanh Hoa province, such as: Phu Na Festival (Xuan Du commune); Nang Han Festival (Van Xuan commune); Dinh Thi Festival (Nhu Xuan commune); Khai Ha Suoi Ca Than Festival (Cam Luong commune); Muong Kho Festival (Dien Lu commune)... Most of these festivals are usually associated with historical events, commemorating those who contributed to the nation-building and defense, so the games and performances often reflect a martial spirit. Along with that, it is an opportunity for the people to have fun, compete, and pray for favorable weather, bountiful harvests, and a prosperous and happy life.

Text and photos: Thien Nhan

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/tung-bung-le-hoi-dau-xuan-279656.htm