Celebrating the Hmong Xím Vàng Ethnic Culture Festival

Traversing winding mountain passes that resembled ribbons draped across the sky, we arrived at Xim Vang commune, a highland area, just in time for the local Mong ethnic cultural festival. Amidst the vibrant pink of peach blossoms and the pristine white of plum blossoms blooming along the mountain slopes, the atmosphere of welcoming spring among the local people was even more lively, creating a special attraction for highland tourism in the early days of the new year.

The Hmong people of Xim Vang celebrate their traditional New Year.

Despite setting off early, it was already pitch dark by the time we reached the commune center. Amidst the biting cold and thick fog of the highlands, the flickering fires from the houses of the Hmong people radiated a warm, comforting atmosphere. At the home of Mr. Ho A Dua, Vice Chairman of the Commune People's Committee, everyone had gathered around a table, waiting for their guests. Sipping on fragrant corn wine, the highland chill seemed to vanish in the face of the warm and sincere welcome from the people of this remote region.

Over a warm and cozy meal, Mr. Hờ A Dua shared with us the unique cultural characteristics of the Hmong people here. He said: "The Hmong people in Xím Vàng still maintain the tradition of celebrating Tet (Lunar New Year) a month earlier than the official Lunar New Year. The people here believe that it's not necessary to wait until the evening of the 30th of November in the lunar calendar to welcome the new year. Depending on their circumstances, families can celebrate Tet from the 27th, 28th, or 29th of November; when the first rooster crows the next morning, that is the sacred moment of entering the new year."

The Hmong man is in charge of pounding sticky rice cakes to welcome the new spring.

On Tet (Vietnamese New Year), Hmong men, the heads of the families, are the first to wake up to take on all the tasks that the women would otherwise do, from lighting the stove and cooking rice for the mountain and river gods to preparing food for the livestock… all to maintain the tradition for the whole year. Afterward, the women begin cleaning, collecting water, and meticulously preparing to welcome relatives and friends who come to offer New Year greetings and celebrate the new year together.

During the Lunar New Year, the Hmong people also have the custom of pasting paper onto their daily tools and placing them under the altar as a token of gratitude to the tools that have always been with them in their work and production throughout the year. Afterwards, they visit each other's homes to exchange New Year greetings, enjoy corn wine, and eat sticky rice cakes...

Traditional costume contest at the festival.

Visiting the Hmong people in the highland commune of Xim Vang this Tet holiday, in addition to witnessing unique customs and rituals, tourists can also enjoy the fresh air of the mountains and forests, and immerse themselves in the joyful and vibrant atmosphere of the Hmong Ethnic Culture Festival. The festival features many lively activities, such as: inter-village cultural performance competitions; traditional costume competitions; sticky rice cake pounding competitions; tug-of-war, stick pushing, crossbow shooting, pa pao throwing competitions…

Locals and tourists participate in throwing pao (a traditional Vietnamese ball) during the New Year celebration.

Ms. Mua Thi Gong, a member of the Xím Vàng village's performing arts team, shared: "Participating in the festival, our performing arts team presented dance and singing performances that are rich in the Mong ethnic identity. I feel very happy and proud to contribute to introducing the beauty of our people's traditional culture to everyone."

Mr. Nguyen Xuan Bac, Chairman of the People's Committee of Xim Vang commune, informed: After the merger of Hang Chu and the old Xim Vang communes, the entire commune has more than 7,600 inhabitants, of which the Mong ethnic group accounts for 99%. The Mong ethnic cultural festival was organized, creating a joyful atmosphere for the people to celebrate the Lunar New Year. This is also an opportunity for people from different villages to interact, promote cultural, artistic, and sports activities, foster solidarity, and preserve the cultural identity of the Mong ethnic group. At the same time, it encourages people to enthusiastically compete in labor and production, develop the economy , and sustainably eradicate poverty.

The organizers presented commemorative flags to the participating teams at the festival.

The Mong ethnic cultural festival in Xim Vang commune has concluded, but its echoes linger in the joy and radiance evident on the faces of the villagers. Beyond providing a vibrant cultural space with traditional flute and pipe music and captivating performances, the festival also served as a bridge connecting the community and strengthening solidarity between villages. The event left a distinctive mark, contributing to the awakening of ethnic pride and a sense of responsibility in preserving and promoting the cultural identity of the Mong people in this highland region.

Building upon traditional cultural values, coupled with a spirit of unity and determination, Xím Vàng will undergo a powerful transformation in the new year, achieving significant results in socio-economic development and becoming an attractive destination for tourism in the Sơn La highlands.

Source: https://baosonla.vn/van-hoa-xa-hoi/vui-ngay-hoi-van-hoa-dan-toc-mong-xim-vang-pJXCQeIvR.html