On February 12th (i.e. Lunar January 15), the People's Committee of Hop Tien commune, Kim Boi district organized the Festival of Sim Pagoda Festival in At Ty Spring, 2025. The festival welcomed many people and tourists to visit the pagoda and enjoy the scenery.
The palanquin procession to Sim Pagoda.
The special art program at the Festival of Sim Pagoda Festival in At Ty Spring, 2025.
This is an annual festival with 2 parts, the ceremony and the festival. In which, the ceremony is solemnly organized with full rituals and ceremonies, including the palanquin procession from Ong Tu's house to Sim Pagoda, to Bai Nac stream, then back to Sim Pagoda; offering incense, performing ceremonies at U communal house, praying for the gods to bless a year of peace, prosperity, good crops, and happiness for every family.
During the festival, the local people and tourists enjoyed the art programs; the cultural exchanges between Vinh Tien, Dong Bac, Vinh Dong communes, Kim Boi district; Banh Chung wrapping contest; the competitions in the ethnic sports and men's volleyball.
The festival not only meets the cultural and spiritual needs of the people, enhances the preservation and promotion of cultural identity, but it is also an opportunity to introduce and promote the tourism potential and strengths of Hop Tien commune in particular and Kim Boi district in general.
The Muong group is one of the largest ethnic minorities in Vietnam, primarily found in Hoa Binh province. The Muong people in Hoa Binh boast a rich and diverse cultural treasure that reflects the unique identity of this ethnic group. Accounting for over 63% of the province's population, they have created and preserved numerous distinctive cultural values, contributing to their unique identity. Their cultural heritage is an invaluable asset, at the heart of their national identity, and represents a vibrant spiritual life that must be preserved and promoted in today’s modern world.
For generations, the ethnic communities of Hoa Binh province, particularly the Muong people, have preserved vibrant festivals deeply intertwined with the region’s geography, nature, and social traditions. These celebrations enrich Hoa Binh’s spiritual life and cultural identity, reflecting both folk beliefs and the intermingling of ethnic customs. Many of these festivals have endured the test of time, passed down through generations and continuing to thrive today. Among them, the Khai Ha (Going Down to the Field) festival stands out as one of the most significant events of the Muong ethnic group.
Muong calendar, known as sach doi, is an ancient folk knowledge system developed through observations of the movement of the pleiades star. This unique calendar consists of 12 bamboo sticks, each representing a lunar month. Specific days within each month are marked with distinct symbols, guiding locals in determining auspicious and inauspicious days for important activities.
Authorities and residents of Chieng Chau commune, Mai Chau district, are making efforts to preserve and promote the historical value of a centuries-old gold apple tree (scientifically known as diospyros decandra lour), which has been recognised as a national heritage tree.
Hoa Binh is home to two types of Dong Son drums: Heger I and Heger II. These drums date back from the 4th century BC to the 5th century AD.
Mo is a term referring to a profession and cultural heritage which integrates folk beliefs with folk culture and arts. Practiced at funerals and religious rituals by the Muong ethnic people, it aims to provide spiritual comfort during significant life events such as illness and death.
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