HÀ NỘI — A series of events reflecting the festive atmosphere in northern mountainous regions is being showcased throughout January at the Village of Culture-Tourism of Ethnic Groups in Việt Nam in the western outskirts of Hà Nội.

Dubbed “Mountain Spring”, the events include a new year’s worship ceremony of the Tày and Nùng ethnic minority groups in Thái Nguyên Province, which aims to wish for a peaceful and lucky year; as well as Lẩu Then folk singing, which is popular among the two groups.

Then singing is not a form of entertainment, but a part of the spiritual life of the group.

The artform has just been listed in UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritages of Humanity.
Visitors will experience preparations for the New Year at traditional houses of Thái, Mường, Tày, Nùng, Dao, Mông, Khơ Mú, Ơ Đu, Ba Na, Tà Ôi, Cơ Tu, RagLai, and Xơ Đăng groups at the site.

They will decorate houses with portraits of President Hồ, together with the national flag at a solemn place inside their houses on stilts.

In the yard, wild peach blossoms and plum flowers carried from northern regions will be displayed, so that visitors can enjoy the spring atmosphere.

Visitors can try making chưng (traditional square glutinous) cakes for poor people.

Throughout the month, traditional dishes of the Kinh majority and ethnic minority groups are available at the site, like steamed sticky rice, grilled fish and various dishes made from pork.

Folk games like ball throwing, bamboo dancing, game of walking on poles, traditional dances, singing, performing gongs are available to entertain visitors.

The activities will draw some 100 people from 15 ethnic groups.

The village is located in Đồng Mô, Sơn Tây District, 45km west of Hà Nội Centre. — VNS