Recreating the lively Muong cultural space
In the space of the Vietnam Ethnic Culture - Tourism Village, the 2nd Muong Ethnic Culture Festival in 2025 brings together hundreds of artisans and Muong people from Hanoi, Phu Tho, Lao Cai, Son La and Thanh Hoa.
The people brought with them traditional dances, songs, rituals and games telling the proud Muong cultural story. The sound of gongs sometimes resounds, sometimes soft like a stream winding through the forest, blending with graceful, captivating dances.
Mr. Trinh Ngoc Chung - Director of the Department of Ethnic Culture of Vietnam - said that the festival is an opportunity for the Muong ethnic group to gather at the "Common House of the Vietnam Ethnic Culture and Tourism Village". The highlight of this part is the art program performed by artist Muong himself. The flowing music, graceful dances, peace dance rituals or rustic lyrics in the epic "Flowing the soil, Flowing the water" carry the breath of the mountains and forests and the philosophy of life and love for children of the Muong people. The concert of gongs, folk songs, folk dances... demonstrated the spirit of solidarity and national pride performed by art troupes, bringing the sound of mountains and forests closer to tourists.
According to artisan and shamans Bui Van Minh from the Muong art troupe in Phu Tho, the performances at the festival such as wedding rituals, going down fields, and Muong gongs are all unique and long-standing cultural features.
Experience traditional crafts
In addition to art, people and tourists can also directly participate in experiencing traditional crafts: Weaving, weaving, embroidering and exploring typical items of the Muong people such as sponges (traditional rice brushes) or gongs to welcome guests.
At the thematic exhibition space, artifacts, photos and everyday life models help visitors better understand the simple, unique life of the Muong people.
For Vi Thanh Truc, a 12th grade student at Mai Chau Secondary and High School, Phu Tho, the festival is an unforgettable experience: I get to learn about the culture of many different ethnic groups such as Cham, Ba Na, and Ede. At the same time, I am very proud to be able to spread the typical Thai keng loong dance to tourists. Muong Ethnic Culture Festival 2025 not only honors the Muong ethnic identity but also contributes to promoting the culture and economy in localities where Muong people live.
The 2025 "Great Unity of Ethnic Groups - Vietnamese Cultural Heritage" Week and the 2nd Muong Ethnic Culture Festival are a highlight activity to celebrate Vietnam Cultural Heritage Day on November 23, affirming the strength of great solidarity and honoring the cultural values of 54 ethnic groups. The event contributes to promoting the image of the country and people of Vietnam, while promoting tourism and cultural exchange.
The 2nd Muong Ethnic Culture Festival is an opportunity to preserve and promote Muong identity; create space for localities to exchange experiences and promote cultural - tourism potential in the context of integration.
Leaders of the Party, State and ministries and branches also presented gifts, recognizing the efforts of the people to preserve heritage. The event continues to affirm the role of culture as an important foreign channel, spreading heritage values at the "Common House" of the Vietnam Ethnic Culture - Tourism Village.
