Spring festivals in full swing in Lao Cai province
The northern mountainous province of Lao Cai is buzzing with several spring festivals to pray for a prosperous year.
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The Tay ethnic people in Bac Ha district hold land and water processions on the 15th day of the first lunar month every year to wish for good weather, bumper crops, good health and happiness.
From early morning, a procession including a wizard, drums and gong groups and local farmers climb Pan Pho Mountain to urge land and water souls to attend the festival.
The fire dancing ceremony or Put Tong festival of the Red Dao ethnic people is a highlight of spring festivals in the mountainous province. It is an ancient custom in which supernatural power is believed to strengthen the dancers, helping them dance on burning coals in their bare feet.
The ceremony is held from the first day to the 15th day of the first lunar month to celebrate harvest, please God, bring prosperity and wipe away evils and illness.
Meanwhile, Gau Tao, the biggest festival of the Mong ethnic people, is held at the outset of the year to pray for good weather, harvest and health. Khen (panpipe) dancing, pillar climbing, top spinning and stick pushing are among activities of the festival.
Other festivals like Thuong Temple festival and Co Tan An Temple festival also attract visitors to the locality.
