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Independence Day - A bridge connecting nations
Since President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence, giving birth to the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (September 2, 1945), the ethnic minority people in the northern mountainous regions have begun to build a new cultural tradition with a New Year celebration called "Independence Day." On Independence Day, a vibrant atmosphere pervades the highland villages, and people participate together in a series of activities that reflect the unique cultural identity of their localities.
For many ethnic groups such as the Hmong, Muong, and Thai, Independence Day is a major holiday of the year. They prepare elaborate feasts with traditional dishes to offer to their ancestors, and dress up in eye-catching and elaborate costumes to go to the market and attend festivals. The most vibrant Independence Day celebrations are among the Hmong people in Moc Chau. The lively atmosphere here later attracts not only Hmong people from the districts of Song Ma, Thuan Chau, Yen Chau, Phu Yen... in Son La province, and Hmong people from Lai Chau, Dien Bien, Lao Cai, Ha Giang, Thanh Hoa, and Nghe An provinces... but also many other ethnic groups such as the Thai, Muong, Kinh, Dao, and Tay... from neighboring provinces and even from Laos to celebrate the holiday.
Seven-colored sticky rice - an indispensable dish on the feast table during the Independence Day celebrations of the Mong, Muong, and other ethnic groups.
Ant egg cake
Dé dish
While the traditional New Year celebration of the Hmong people is confined to family, relatives, or between villages, Independence Day is celebrated more broadly due to the connection between ethnic minority groups in many regions. This beautiful cultural tradition is still preserved and promoted by the Hmong people in Moc Chau in particular and the Northwest mountainous region in general.
Celebrating Independence Day with the Hmong people in Moc Chau.
The Hmong people's Independence Day celebration typically lasts from August 29th to September 2nd. During these days, people throughout the villages eagerly prepare for the festivities. Women are busy planting and harvesting, preparing their finest clothes to wear to the market, while men work diligently so they can attend the market and participate in the celebration.
In early September, Moc Chau town is ablaze with color as more and more people flock there.
Along the roads leading to the center of Moc Chau town at this time, the Tet atmosphere is everywhere with a series of activities such as: trade fairs, cultural performances, art exhibitions, sports competitions and folk games: crossbow shooting, stick pushing, tug-of-war, throwing the ball, "to ma le" game, "danh tu lu" game, "nem pa pao" game, pounding sticky rice cakes, dragon hatching eggs game... Not only do people from the villages come to celebrate, but tourists from all over also flock to Moc Chau to both travel and immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the highland ethnic culture.
The most vibrant festive atmosphere is during the "white night" on September 1st. As night falls, the only annual love market of the Hmong people in Moc Chau takes place. The market is beautiful because of the Hmong people's clothing, which is divided into many styles: Hmong Do (white), Hmong Du (black), Hmong Si (red), Hmong Lenh (floral), Hmong Sua (Hmong Man)... The colorful dresses and skirts blend together like a forest of flowers. Young Hmong men and women of marriageable age have the ideal opportunity to date and find a life partner. The young men compete to play the flute alongside the beautiful young women in their colorful dresses. They gather in groups, teasing and singing love songs until dawn.
The atmosphere of Independence Day is vibrant on the Moc Chau plateau.
Perhaps nowhere else is there a gathering to celebrate Independence Day like in the Moc Chau plateau. With vibrant, lively, and unique festivals, and moments of harmony with nature and people, the highlands are filled with the melodious sound of the Hmong flute, the enchanting sound of the Hmong reed pipe, and the flowing skirts of the ethnic minority people... creating an unforgettable impression on visitors to this land.
Besides learning about the culture of the Hmong people and celebrating Independence Day with them, visitors to Moc Chau can also explore the scenic mountain landscapes with attractions such as the Ban Ang pine forest, Dai Yem waterfall, or Moc Chau tea hills,...
