Sapa is not only attracted traveler by amazing, poetic but pristine beauty; the typical delicious dishes; the untouched terraced fields, etc but also seduce the hearts of visitors by the signature festivals which are fun and bold ethnic traditions of this place. So let’s discover some most impressive festival here by trekking tours to Sapa in the time of one of these festivals below!
1. Nhan Song Festival
Nhan Song is special festival of Red Dao ethnic group in Giang Ta Chai (Ta Van – Sapa). They used to organize festival every month in mystery forests, however now they just carry out the festival it when forest be destroy and horses damage garden. They offer a pig to God in festival, hope this God will support for villagers. This customs is to pray God give goodness and protect forest and harvest.
Nhan Song Festival
2. Gau Tao festival of H’mong people
Gau Tao festival is the biggest festival of H’mong ethnic group in Sapa. It is the most crowded and lively even. Gau Tao Festival is considered the most characteristic and typical of H’mong group. The festival is opened between the first until 15th January lunar. According to H’mong people, in festival they pray for good weather and harvest, also give thanks to God and ancestors. Every H’mong people from all villages gather together in a flat ground to celebrate New Year and join in many exciting activities.
Gau Tao festival of H’mong people
3. Tet Nhay Festival in Ta Van village
Tet Nhay is an important festival of Dao ethnic in Ta Van village for celebrating New Year. “Tet” means new year, “Nhay” means dance, because it is organized in the first day of a year, and there are many difference dance in this festival. The purpose of this festival is to give thanks to ancestors and prepare to make New Year’s wishes. They make rituals, dance, cook, eat, play game continuously for several days.
Tet Nhay Festival in Ta Van village
4. Nao Cong Festival
Annually, in June of lunar calendar, ethnic group in Muong Hoa valley such as H’mong, Dap, Day gather in one Temple in Ta Van to organize Nao Cong Festival. Each family has one people join in this even.
Nao Cong Festival
There are 3 exciting main parts which are the god worship ritual, announcement of general regulations of the regions and the last one is dining party. It is very interesting cultural activity in Sapa which attract a lot of visitors.
5. Long Tong Festival of the Tay
Long Tong Festival is often called “going to the field” festival, is a festival of the Tay ethnic group, viewed as religious activities prayed for good weather, lush trees, harvests, prosperous life. They organize this festival in the best, biggest field with the meaning the first day of year to work in field. The ceremony involves solemn rituals, and entertainment. A lot of young people and children join in merry games such as nem con tug-of-wars, playing cockfights by banana flowers, and buffalo fights by asparagus. The festival is also where old people find ex-friends and, for young people look for sweetheart.
Long Tong Festival of the Tay
6. Quet Lang Festival
In February of lunar calendar, Xa Pho ethnic group in Sapa organize the Quet Lang Festival which has meaning for wishing for a safety, healthy and wealthy New Year for villagers.
Quet Lang Festival
Everyone takes along a bowl of rice, a chicken, money, two bars of incenses and a bottle of wine, to join the Festival. During festival, man will make dishes from the meat of the animals is offered, and the shaman hold the knife or tree branches go around the village to sweep. After all rituals, all villagers can eat all food, but cannot bring home. They also do not allow stranger come to village during 3 days, to prevent bad things come to village in New Year.
Well, the interesting mystery of Sapa is always there, waiting for you to discover. So let’s take a chance and come to Sapa to discover this amazingly wonderful land!
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