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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.
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.
As Hoa Binh province is set to host 115 spring festivals, local departments, sectors and localities are joining hands to ensure safety for the events.
In many major cultural events in Hanoi, the sound of the Muong people's gongs has become a special tone, contributing to the unique harmony that praises the cultural values accumulated over thousands of years along with the sacred soul of the capital city.
On the first day back to work and school after the Lunar New Year holiday, thousands of female officials, civil servants, and students from grade nine and above in Lac Son district proudly wore the traditional Muong attire. The vibrant brocade patterns created a striking cultural display, reinforcing the community's commitment to preserving and promoting their heritage.
The provincial-level Khai Ha festival 2025 of the Muong ethnic minority group took place at Phong Phu commune’s stadium in Tan Lac district of Hoa Binh province on the morning of February 5 (the 8th day of the first lunar month of the Year of the Snake).
"Xuong Dong” (going to the field) festival opened in Yen Phu commune of Hoa Binh’s Lac Son district on February 5, or the eighth day of the Year of the Snake, drawing thousands of locals and visitors to partake in a variety of activities.
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