Meo Vac Market – Ha Giang

People often joke that markets are always one of the 'living museums' of the land and people there. And of course, Meo Vac Market - one of the largest markets in the Dong Van stone plateau is no exception. No one knows since when, this market has become a place where people in the northernmost border of the Fatherland buy, sell, exchange goods and exchange, confide, and share the unique cultural values ​​of their people. So what is special about this market, let's find out with Vietam.vn.

As one of the most famous markets in Ha Giang, the northernmost region of the country, Meo Vac Market is held right in the center of Meo Vac town, Ha Giang. Unlike the markets in the lowlands that are held every day, Meo Vac Market is held only on Sundays each week. We invite you to join this market through the photo collection "Meo Vac Market - Ha Giang" by author Huynh My Thuan. The photo collection was sent by the author to participate in the Photo and Video Contest "Happy Vietnam - Happy Vietnam", organized by the Ministry of Information and Communications.

From the early morning, people from neighboring communes and districts have begun to flock to Meo Vac town on the winding mountain passes. Meo Vac market usually opens very early. Coming here, you will hear the sound of vehicles passing by, the bustling laughter and the sound of bells ringing throughout the sky, creating a strangely bustling and vibrant atmosphere.

Not only is it a place for ethnic people in Meo Vac district and the Dong Van stone plateau to come and trade, exchange necessities, agricultural tools, and agricultural products for daily life, the market is also an opportunity for people to exchange and confide. That is why Meo Vac market has always been one of the cultural beauties, and at the same time has a special meaning to the lives of the people here.

The market is also a place that attracts domestic and international tourists to come here to learn and integrate with the local people.

Every day when the weather in Dong Van stone plateau is a bit chilly, it is a sign that winter and the new Tet season are approaching. These days, it seems that Meo Vac market is more crowded and has more abundant goods.

No one knows when the largest market in this rocky plateau first appeared. The people here have always maintained the rustic, simple style of the past: everything is available, everything is sold. Yet strangely, this market does not have any haggling or haggling at all. Sometimes, when they see someone they like, they are enthusiastic about lowering the price, or are willing to exchange goods of equal value without needing cash.

As simple and rustic as it is, this market has existed alongside many generations of Mong, Dao, Kinh, Lo Lo, Giay people in Meo Vac district. For them, Meo Vac market is not only an opportunity to buy and sell, exchange goods but also brings opportunities to meet, visit, make friends, and is an important occasion for the community cultural activities of the people here.

In 2024, the Photo and Video Contest "Happy Vietnam - Happy Vietnam" will continue to be organized by the Ministry of Information and Communications in coordination with the Vietnam Association of Photographic Artists on the website.   https://happy.vietnam.vn is open to all Vietnamese citizens and foreigners aged 15 and over. The contest aims to honor individuals and groups with positive information products, making practical contributions to the propaganda and promotion of a beautiful image of Vietnam to the world. Thereby helping people in the country, compatriots abroad and international friends access authentic images of the country, Vietnamese people, Vietnam's achievements in ensuring human rights, towards a happy Vietnam.

Each contest category (photo and video) has the following prizes and prize values:
– 01 Gold Medal: 70,000,000 VND
– 02 Silver Medals: 20,000,000 VND
– 03 Bronze Medals: 10,000,000 VND
– 10 Consolation prizes: 5,000,000 VND
– 01 most voted work: 5,000,000 VND
The winning authors will be invited by the Organizing Committee to attend the announcement ceremony and award prizes and certificates on live television broadcast of Vietnam Television.

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