Duong Hoa commune, Quang Ninh province has a population of about 17,200 people, living in 32 villages and hamlets; of which ethnic minorities account for 40.8%, mainly Dao people.
In the cultural life of the Dao people, the Khoi Kem festival is an important ritual at the beginning of the year, expressing gratitude to the forest and is a commitment of the community to protect forest resources by customary law.
Artisan Chiu Chan Dau (born in 1962, Ly Quang village) said that previously, the forest opening ceremony usually took place over 1 day and 1 night. Currently, some villages and hamlets still organize this ritual but not annually.
This year, the Khoi Kem festival is restored, increasing the scale from villages to communes, which will help promote and preserve this traditional cultural feature.
The forest opening ceremony consists of two main parts. The ritual part in the family temple, the shaman will report to the forest god and ancestors about the results of production and forest protection in the old year, and at the same time commit not to destroy the forest and not to illegally exploit forest products.
The outdoor ritual part includes rituals praying for favorable weather, good harvests, peace for the villagers and asking for permission to open the forest.
Offerings include chicken, wine, water and rice. After completing the ritual, the shaman performs symbolic movements such as chopping a branch to open a way into the forest, sprinkling rice along the opening.
Khoi Kem Festival 2026 is organized by Duong Hoa Commune People's Committee on two days, April 18-19, at Truc Bai Son Culture - Sports Center (Quang Moi village).
Within the framework of the festival, many cultural, sports, and folk games are organized such as the hair contest of the Dao Thanh Y people, Dao Thanh Phan costume performance, cinnamon peeling contest, con throwing, stick pushing, cross-country running...
The restoration of Khoi Kem festival is not only aimed at preserving traditional cultural values but also creating a highlight for cultural and ecological tourism development, associated with forest protection and sustainable livelihood development for local people.
By April 16, the preparation for the festival had been completed, ensuring the correct customs, fire safety, firefighting and security and order before, during and after the organization time.
