Indigo hues and Mong brocade light up Hanoi

The Mong Cultural Festival takes place at Ho Van, part of the Temple of Literature–Quoc Tu Giam complex in Hanoi, on December 13, giving exhibition spaces and performances highlighting the distinct identity of the Mong community from various localities.

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Mong groups from Cao Bang, Lao Cai, Dien Bien, Tuyen Quang, Phu Tho and Nghe An bring distinctive costumes, patterns and handicraft techniques from their respective regions, creating a richly textured cultural tapestry.

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The skilled hands of Hau Thi Mi from Bao Lam commune in Cao Bang carefully stitch each thread, preserving traditional Mong patterns.

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Contemporary designs that retain the full spirit of tradition help open up sustainable livelihood opportunities for Mong women.

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Giang Thi Du from Ta Phin in Lao Cai demonstrates hand-embroidery techniques on Mong attire, a craft passed down through generations.

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Mong people from Mu Cang Chai in Lao Cai wear costumes in subdued tones such as indigo and brown, accented with beeswax motifs, striped lines and intricate red-and-yellow dot patterns. The local beeswax drawing technique, passed down through generations of women, produces works that are both delicate and rich in cultural meaning.

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The Mong Cultural Festival is organized by Craft Link, a social enterprise with nearly 30 years of experience working alongside ethnic minority communities to preserve traditional crafts and support livelihoods. The event aims to connect the public with Mong cultural heritage while expanding opportunities for artisans to share knowledge and promote sustainable cultural values rooted in handicrafts.

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Traditional Mong motifs, created through embroidery, patchwork and beeswax drawing techniques, reflect the community’s way of life, its relationship with nature and its aesthetic values.

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A close-up of traditional embroidered and patchwork motifs, a distinctive visual language of Mong culture.

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Each motif on Mong attire is more than decoration; it serves as a cultural language, carrying collective memory through every stitch and beeswax line.

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Visitors take a close look at the intricate motifs on traditional Mong costumes.

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The exhibition space showcasing Mong motifs draws public attention with the delicacy of every stitch and needlework detail.

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The festival serves as a bridge between artisan communities and the public, bringing cultural heritage out of village settings and into the urban space.

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International visitors enthusiastically explore the Mong cultural space, featuring its distinctive beeswax motifs.

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Traditional attire worn by Mong women from Tua Chua in Dien Bien province stands out for its handcrafted motifs, with each fabric piece meticulously stitched together.

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Young visitors enjoy checking in at the vibrant displays of Mong traditional costumes and brocade motifs.

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A Mong artisan uses a copper pen to draw beeswax motifs on fabric before indigo dyeing.

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A close-up of the beeswax drawing process, with every line, dot and motif done by hand, preserving the traditional spirit.

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Artisan Mua Y Ganh of Pa Co commune, Phu Tho province, carefully applies beeswax to fabric. Each stroke showcases refined technique, preserving traditional Mong patterns and cultural values passed down through generations.

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The handwoven hemp-making process requires skill and patience, producing durable fabric with intricate patterns.

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A close-up of hemp weaving, as a skilled artisan guides the fibers through the loom, preserving Hmong heritage.

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Handwoven hemp plays a crucial role in preserving the patterns, colors and traditional techniques of the Mong community across generations.

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Mong patterns, brocade and beeswax techniques are preserved and introduced to the public through fashion products.

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Craft Link’s fashion show skillfully transforms traditional Mong motifs into contemporary attire.

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Thang Co, a traditional Hmong stew made with horse meat and local herbs, allows visitors to both savor the flavors and explore cultural values.

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The Mong culinary space features familiar dishes such as Thang Co, colored rice and sticky rice cakes, flavors closely tied to daily life.

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Through Craft Link’s projects, Mong patterns, brocade and beeswax techniques are not only preserved but also showcased widely to audiences both domestically and internationally. Artisans receive support to continue practicing traditional crafts while developing sustainable income. Costumes, accessories and embroidered patchwork pieces reflecting the cultural heritage of the Northwest mountains are displayed and performed, offering viewers an immersive experience and a deeper understanding of the living heritage of the Mong community.

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The festival serves as a bridge between artisan communities and the public, bringing Mong heritage out of the villages and into a vibrant urban setting. As the day concludes, the indigo hues, beeswax motifs and echoes of the traditional horn linger, a reminder of the enduring value of Mong cultural heritage in contemporary life.

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Indigo hues and Mong brocade light up Hanoi

VOV.VN - From intricate beeswax patterns to the echoing sound of the khen flute, the Mong Cultural Festival at Ho Van-Van Mieu in Hanoi creates a vivid space featuring traditional crafts, costumes and the rich spiritual life of Mong community from across the country.

Red Dao people preserve brocade weaving craft in Hoang Su Phi

Indigo hues and Mong brocade light up Hanoi

VOV.VN - From intricate beeswax patterns to the echoing sound of the khen flute, the Mong Cultural Festival at Ho Van-Van Mieu in Hanoi creates a vivid space featuring traditional crafts, costumes and the rich spiritual life of Mong community from across the country.

Red Dao people preserve brocade weaving craft in Hoang Su Phi

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