Cultural Festival of Mong Ethnic People on Karst Plateau

For many generations, the Mong people in Meo Vac district, Ha Giang province have been famous for cultivation on rocky soil and many traditional handicrafts such as weaving, knitting, woodworking, forging and moulding. Over time, the Mong ethnic people maintain their own cultural identity. In order to preserve and promote the good cultural values, Meo Vac district holds "Cultural Festival of the Mong Ethnic People ", giving visitors many exciting experiences.

Coming to "Cultural Festival of the Mong Ethnic People", the visitors have chance to learn and experience reality because the festival reflects many aspects of life of the Mong ethnic people on the Karst Plateau such as: Introducing significance of maize to the Mong ethnic people from the past until present and experience the cultivation of maize on the rocks; Corn grinding competition, bean cooking competition and the process of steaming men men (corn cake); Introducing process of planting flax, tear the flax tree until it becomes fabric until; Introducing processes of making Khen flute of Mong ethnic people, significance of the flute (introduce 3 songs using Khen flute: Passed away, Coming to the coffin, Go to the fields); Competition of tossing Con, Alternative singing, beating Sang; Perform Naming Ceremony for mature men and Engagement Ceremony; Slapping Butt Festival; Knitting papoose; Perform technique of casting plowshares; Perform End Year worship ceremony; Mong ethnic Miss with traditional costumes. Perhaps many people know about Mong ethnic people; however, they do not learn intimately about Mong culture, because traditional culture of the Mong ethnic people is like a treasure with unique customs, traditions, rituals and beliefs. All are invaluable assets of Mong people which were kept for a long time.

Ms Nguyen Thi Chanh, Head of Culture and Information Department, Meo Vac district, said that the Cultural Festival of Mong Ethnic People contributes to preserving, promoting and honouring the cultural values Mong ethnic people; teaches solidarity, improves material and spiritual life for ethnic groups in the district. This is an opportunity for artists, actors to meet, exchange and learn experiences, introduce culture, arts, traditional festivals to tourists.