Held every three years, the swing festival in Muong Voi, Vu Ban town in Lac Son district is "one-of-a-kind". From the 5th to the 7th day of the first lunar month in the Year of the Dragon, thousands of residents and tourists flocked to the locality to experience the unique cultural festival.

 


 Visitors join the swing festival in the Lunar New Year Festival 2024.

Accordingto thelegendpassed down by the local elderly, gods worshipped at the Cay Si temple were credited with teaching people of Muong Voi how to cultivate fields, build embankments to control water flow, and conduct water to fields. They also taught the people how to cultivate rice, and cotton for weaving fabric. In gratitude for the merits and teachings of the gods, residents built a temple to worship them.

The Muong village usually holds the swing festival immediately after completing rituals at the Cay Si temple to invite the gods to join them.

The two old people start the game first. Following them, a young couple chosen by villagers will join in, marking the beginning of the festival. Winning teams are usually couples that have the same mindset, strength, courage, and confidence.

Nguyen Duc Giang, a tourist from Nam Dinh province, said the festival offers a chance for him to experience and immerse himself in the festive atmosphere in the locality. 

 

In addition to swinging, visitors can also join many other unique folk games of the Muong ethnic people, such as tug-of-war, and Nem con (shuttlecock throwing). Notably, this year's Muong Voi swing festival featured a Muong gong performance by 150 artisans, a "dum” singing performance by elderly artisans, and an art exchange night.

According to Vice Chairwoman of the People’s Committee of Vu Ban town Bui Thi Thi, the festival is a pride of locals in particular and those in Lac Son district in general.

Along with others, this unique festival has contributed to preserving and promoting the unique historical and cultural value and heritage of the Muong ethnic group, and attracting visitors to the locality.

 


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