According to the organizing panel, the program attracts the participation of 100 people from 13 ethnic minority groups, including the Nung, Tay, H’mong, and Muong, and 20 Thai ethnic minority people in Son La province.
At the event, participating ethnic minority groups introduce their folk games, traditional handicrafts, special dishes, agricultural products, and customs to visitors.
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Xoe dance of the Thai people |
Especially, the program also relives the Thai people’s “Han Khuong” festival, which is held annually after the harvest season. In Thai, “Han” means bamboo, and “Khuong” is the yard or the soil in the village. Han Khuong means a bamboo floor, which is set up in outdoor courtyard.
“Han Khuong” traditional festival is one of the unique folk art forms of the Thai people, which is passed down through generations. It was formed and developed along with the process of forming the traditional cultural identity, which is associated with the people’s life and activities and expresses the material and spiritual life of the Thai people.
During the event, boys and girls in traditional costumes sing in pairs. They are also supported by elderly people who are experienced “singers.” They also participate in folk games.
One of the highlights of the program is the Xoe dance of the Thai people. The Xoe dance, which is accredited as the symbol of love and culture of the Thai people, is usually performed at festivals and weddings.
To the event, festivalgoers will have an opportunity to arrange a five‑fruit tray, decorate a peach blossom, hang the portrait of Uncle Ho and national flag, and decorate a house to welcome a new year following the Thai people’s custom.
Apart from enjoying ethnic minority groups’ folk music, visitors will learn how to prepare and cook the Thai people’s “banh chung” (square glutinous rice cake) and play their folk games, including “Nem con” (a traditional game in which people throw cloth balls through a bamboo ring hung on a tree), stilt-walking, swinging, tug-of-war, among others.
Artistic performances and activities during the program are expected to bring interesting experiences of ethnic groups’ traditional New Year festivals to visitors.
Translated by Tran Hoai