Ngọc Chiến Commune is home to the largest sơn tra forest in the country. — Photo truyenhinhvov.vn

SƠN LA — The Sơn Tra Flower Festival is set to take place on March 9-10 at Ngọc Chiến Commune, Mường La District, Sơn La Province, home to the largest sơn tra forest in the country.

Sơn tra, also known as táo mèo (Docynia indica), is a distinctive tree that holds great economic value for the Mông people in the northwest region. In recent years, it has significantly contributed to the region's economic growth and improved the livelihoods of the local population.

The festival will showcase a range of cultural and artistic activities featuring the ethnic identity of the northwest. One of the highlights will be the Creative Camp with the theme "Lost in the Sơn Tra Forest," which will host exhibitions and presentations of agricultural products, local culture, and OCOP (One Commune, One Product) items from Mường La District and neighbouring districts.

The Sơn Tra Flower Festival will highlight local products and culture. — Photo trangtraiviet.danviet.vn

Visitors will also have the opportunity to join folk games and sports, including crossbow shooting and stick pushing, in the commune.

This year's festival holds special significance as Ngọc Chiến Commune will be officially recognised as the largest sơn tra flower forest in the country.

According to Lò Văn Thoa, vice chairman of the People's Committee of Ngọc Chiến Commune, the 2023 Sơn Tra Flower Festival attracted approximately 30,000 visitors. This year, the festival is expected to draw around 50,000 visitors.

Sơn tra is a distinctive tree that holds great economic value for the Mông people in the northwest region. — Photo baodantoc.vn

Currently, there are more than 30 accommodation establishments capable of hosting 1,000 to 2,000 guests.

In addition to immersing themselves in the enchanting flower forests, breathtaking natural landscapes, pristine villages and refreshing climate, festival attendees will have the opportunity to explore the unique cultural traditions, customs and tantalising culinary delights of the local community.

Bùi Tiến Sỹ, party secretary of Ngọc Chiến Commune, stated, "Through the festival, our aim is to preserve and promote the rich traditional cultural values of the ethnic groups in the area, while showcasing the captivating beauty of the sơn tra flower landscape in Nậm Nghẹp Village, Ngọc Chiến Commune, to both domestic and international tourists."

The Sơn Tra Flower Festival is set to take place on March 9-10 at Ngọc Chiến Commune, Mường La District. — Photo trangtraiviet.danviet.vn

This year's festival also seeks to create optimal opportunities and conditions for fostering connections among communities, businesses and visitors, with the goal of experiencing and exploring investment prospects for the tourism resources of Mường La District, Sơn La Province, Mù Cang Chải District, Yên Bái Province, and neighbouring districts. VNS