Tourists participated in the "blindfolded duck catching" game at the Folk Arts Festival - Highland Market and the Cultural Festival "Highland Flavors". — Photo baothanhhoa.vn

THANH HOÁ -- In mid-November 2023, many people attended the Folk Arts Festival - Highland Market and Cultural Festival "Highland Flavors" in Thanh Hóa Province.

In addition to exploring and discovering the beautiful natural scenery of Mạ village, Thường Xuân town, visitors also had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the traditional games of the ethnic minorities.

Participating in the blindfolded duck-catching game, Lê Văn Bình from Thường Xuân town, said: “Initially, I thought the game was simple, but after experiencing it, I realised that catching ducks blindfolded was not easy. If you are alone, it is difficult to catch them. The most important thing is to listen carefully and follow guidance from the audience.” 

“This experience highlights the importance of community bonding in achieving success,” Bình added.  

The games were open to everyone, regardless of age, attracting many enthusiastic visitors.

Phạm Thị Mai, a visitor from Ngọc Lặc district, expressed her enjoyment in participating in the còn ball throwing game. 

She said: “The game has many humanistic meanings expressing aspirations, beliefs, love of life, and the spirit of unity and collaboration in labour and community building. It also fosters sportsmanship, agility, and contributes to increasing solidarity and interaction among locals and visitors.”

According to Nguyễn Thị Mai Hương, director of the Thanh Hóa Culture and Cinema Centre: “Folk games have been associated with the production and daily life of ethnic minorities in the province. Therefore, we focus on organising folk games such as Con ball throwing, blindfolded duck catching, Cheraw dance... to preserve and promote the traditional cultural values ​​of ethnic groups in the province.”

“This is also an opportunity to enhance unity between ethnic groups and facilitate cultural exchange with Lao people in localities sharing the same border,” she added.

In recent years, local authorities in Thanh Hóa Province have emphasised preserving and organising traditional games during New Year and traditional festivals.

Lê Thị Hương, head of the culture and information department of Thạch Thành district, noted that traditional games are an integral part of the cultural life of the people. Organising these games also contributes to creating attractive tourism products. 

Therefore, during festivals and Lunar New Year, the district focuses on organising various traditional games like stick pushing, crossbow shooting, con throwing, and tug of war, drawing large participation from locals and tourists, he said. 

The organisation of traditional games has become a beautiful cultural aspect of many localities in Thanh Hóa Province. It not only brings joy and promotes physical fitness but also strengthens community unity. Therefore, all levels and sectors in the province need to pay more attention to preserving and enhancing the value of these traditional games. — VNS