The festival aims to promote national unity, preserve national identity, and build a new cultural lifestyle among Mong ethnic people. The event also offers a chance for other ethnic groups to explore the distinctive cultural characteristics of the Mong ethnic group through traditional performing arts, costumes, daily practices, rituals and other cultural activities.

Vuong Thi Sung, a member of the Cao Bang art troupe, said thanks to the Party, the living conditions of Mong ethnic people in Cao Bang have improved greatly.

“We are happy to meet and exchange with other Mong ethnic people from different parts of the country. We will present cultural characteristics of the Mong ethnic group in Cao Bang through special art performances,” said Ms Sung.

Sung A Say from Van Ho commune, Moc Chau district of Son La province said the cultural fair of the Mong ethnic group – part of the festival – has left good impressions on him.  

“I hope that more similar festivals will be held annually for Mong ethnic people to meet and exchange their cultural features,” he said.

A trade fair and highland market sessions opened in Moc Chau on August 29. Other cultural activities and folk games will last through September 1.