Spring festival revives ethnic traditions in border regions

On the morning of March 4, the 16th day of the first lunar month, people from different ethnic communities in Luc Hon commune gather at Luc Na communal house to take part in a spring procession. The roads come alive with a festive atmosphere and the vibrant colours of traditional costumes worn by Tay, Dao and San Chi ethnic people.

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The royal decree procession is one of the most important rituals of the Luc Na communal house festival. Participants carrying trays of offerings and flag bearers lead the procession, followed by the palanquin of the tutelary deity.

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The ancient communal house dates back to the Later Le Dynasty and was built by the Tay community of Luc Hon commune to worship the village’s tutelary deity, Hoang Can. A prominent figure of the Tay ethnic group, he rallied young men in the village to defend the area against foreign invaders.

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The Luc Na communal house is also a significant historical site linked to revolutionary periods. It was restored in 2006 and recognised as a provincial-level historical and cultural relic in Quang Ninh province.

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The Luc Na communal house festival, held annually on the 16th and 17th days of the first lunar month, is an occasion for local people to commemorate General Hoang Can and the mountain and river deities. The event, held every spring, also showcases a variety of traditional folk activities of ethnic communities in the border region.

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Traditional rituals are held solemnly in front of the communal house.

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Tay women perform a ceremonial dance in the courtyard, bringing a festive atmosphere to the ethnic communities.

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Performances of traditional martial arts take place during the festival.

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A wide range of activities are organised during the festival, including Then singing and zither performances, a football tournament and traditional folk games. Tourism information booths are also set up, showcasing local products under the One Commune One Product (OCOP) programme.