The lantern-floating ceremony on the Da river, held in conjunction with the local ritual praying for bumper fish catches, is an integral part of major festivals and cultural events in Hoa Binh province. Its 2024 edition took place as part of the second Da river fish and shrimp festival.
The ceremony serves not only as a spiritual practice but also a way to preserve and promote ethnic cultural identity, foster community awareness, and inspire love for nature. It blends tradition and modernity, making Hoa Binh an increasingly attractive destination for locals and tourists alike.
After shamans conclude the prayer ritual for bumper fish catches, the lantern-floating ceremony begins.
A young woman in a traditional Muong costume carefully prepares lanterns for the ceremony.
Each lantern floated on the river carries a wish for health, peace, and happiness for families and the community.
Every lantern represents the heartfelt hopes and dreams of its sender.
The lantern lights, combined with the natural beauty of the river, create a dreamlike and serene scene.
The lantern-floating ceremony draws a large crowd of locals and tourists, fostering a warm and friendly atmosphere within the community.
A kaleidoscope of colours illuminates the river, transforming it into a river of light.
The event has become a signature attraction, showcasing Hoa Binh as a destination rich in cultural heritage and dreamlike natural scenery.
Through the festival, visitors and residents alike have a chance to explore and experience the culture and beauty of Hoa Binh.
Illuminated lanterns drifting gently down the calm river symbolise the essence of Hoa Binh.
With the theme "Hoa Binh- Confidently moving forward", the mascots welcoming the Year of the Snake are displayed at Hoa Binh Square, ensuring aesthetic beauty and imbued with national cultural identity. The works have received a positive welcome from the people, creating an exciting atmosphere for traditional Tet celebration and serving as a cultural and tourism highlight to attract visitors to Hoa Binh city and Hoa Binh province.
Hoa
Binh City is wearing a fresh, bright, green, clean and beautiful appearance
before the Spring of At Ty. Below are notes from Hoa Binh Newspaper reporters
in Hoa Binh City during the days leading up to Lunar New Year 2025.
Com Hamlet, Dong Lai Commune, Tan Lac district, was recognized as a traditional brocade weaving village in 2017 and has since established the Dong Lai Traditional Brocade Weaving and General Services Cooperative. Over the years, the revival of the brocade weaving craft has not only helped preserve traditional cultural values but also opened up economic development opportunities, providing income for residents.
The Ministry of Construction recently conducted an
appraisal and evaluation of the proposal to recognize Hoa Binh City as a Class
II urban area under Hoa Binh Province. The appraisal council agreed that Hoa
Binh City meets the criteria for a Class II urban area with a score of 84.16
out of 100. The city is currently focusing on improving its infrastructure,
enhancing its urban aesthetics, and aiming to become a modern urban area with a
unique identity.
Traditional costumes are cultural symbols of each
ethnic group, reflecting their customs and unique identities. Every pattern and
color on these outfits is a sophisticated blend of craftsmanship, folk
knowledge, and art. The traditional costumes of ethnic minorities in Hoa Binh
Province, such as the Muong, Thai, Tay, Dao, and Mong are not only used in daily life but also during
festivals and significant life ceremonies.
The atmosphere of Christmas (Noel) 2024 is
spreading from major cities to parishes, sub-parishes, and Catholic communities
throughout Hoa Binh Province. Christmas is now not only celebrated by Catholics
but also warmly welcomed by many people.
