The Ky Cung - Ta Phu Festival, taking place from January 22 to 27 every year, is one of the biggest festivals in Lang Son, attracting a large number of local people and tourists from all over the world.
This year, large theaters are built close to both sides of the road, making everyone amazed. Many households and clans are willing to spend tens of millions of VND to rent theaters and display table games right on the main streets, welcoming people from near and far.
In particular, the family of Mr. Hoang Duc Thanh - Ms. Trieu Hai Yen (Tran Dang Ninh Street, Lang Son City) also ordered a magnificent, vivid phoenix dragon model to display on the day of the Ky Cung - Ta Phu festival.
The "long Phung Sum Vay" model made from soft foam, about 4m long, about 3m high, has attracted a large number of tourists to take photos and check-in.
Sharing about the idea and process of making a giant phoenix pair, Ms. Trieu Hai Yen (born in 1990) confided: "The Ky Cung - Ta Phu Festival has been attached to my family and the people of Lang Son for many generations. Every year, on this occasion, hundreds of thousands of tourists come to Lang Son, so my husband and I always want to contribute something to make the festival atmosphere more special".
According to Ms. Yen, the idea of this pair of phoenixes had been cherished by the couple since last year, but it was not until this year that it could be implemented.
"We ordered artisan Bui Thuy Nga to make a "sung together" model from soft foam, about 4m long and about 3m high. This process took about two months, from the time of coming up with the idea and sketching until completion.
We hope to express the hospitality and enthusiasm of Lang Son people when welcoming tourists from all over the world. The pair of phoenix dragons not only have spiritual meaning but are also a highlight for everyone to check-in and preserve memories of the festival" - Ms. Yen excitedly shared when seeing her family's work being welcomed by the online community and Lang Son people.
Artisan Bui Thuy Nga - "mother" of the "long pho sung vay" pair said: "I have had experience participating in domestic and foreign fruit cutting competitions, but implementing this giant phoenix pair is still a big challenge.
I started by sketching the model on paper, then chose the right material and pruning and shaping each detail. Because this is a sacred symbol in traditional culture, I want to make sure that each line is soft and lively".
According to the female artist, last year, she also made a pair of giant phoenixes that could be moved and her eyes lit up with fresh areca nuts to welcome the festival.
"However, this year, after discussing with Ms. Yen's family, I decided to try a larger, more elaborate model to create a highlight for the festival space" - Ms. Nga said.
It is known that in addition to the phoenix dragon model, Ms. Yen's family also prepared offerings including local specialties and 28 banquets to invite business partners and friends from other provinces to attend the festival.
The cost of Ms. Yen's family preparing for this event, not including the pair of dragons and phoenixes, is up to more than 100 million VND.
The first time coming to Lang Son to attend the Ky Cung - Ta Phu festival, Mr. Doan Ngoc Hung (a tourist from Hanoi) could not hide his surprise at the playfulness of the Lang people.
"I am really overwhelmed by what is happening right now, this is truly a true festival for Lang Son people. Not only is it an opportunity for tourists from near and far to explore the culture and people of Lang Son, but it is also an opportunity for relatives to meet, visit, and send wishes for the first days of the new year" - Mr. Hung shared.
