Cultural highlights within the stone

BHG - On the majestic Dong Van Stone Plateau, where nature is harsh and life is still difficult for the people, the deep-seated traditional cultural values of the ethnic communities here are always preserved and promoted. Prominent among them is the centuries-old vitality of the Khau Vai Cultural Market, where love, memories, humanistic spirit, and cultural identity resonate through the sounds of the flute and songs, stirring the hearts of visitors.

Báo Hà Giang•17/04/2025

BHG - On the majestic Dong Van Stone Plateau, where nature is harsh and life is still difficult for the people, the deep-seated traditional cultural values of the ethnic communities here are always preserved and promoted. Prominent among them is the centuries-old vitality of the Khau Vai Cultural Market, where love, memories, humanistic spirit, and cultural identity resonate through the sounds of the flute and songs, stirring the hearts of visitors.

A large number of tourists visited the Khau Vai Love Market Festival (Meo Vac) in 2024.

Numerous tourists visited the Khau Vai Love Market Festival (Meo Vac) in 2024. Photo: PV

The Khau Vai Romantic Market (Meo Vac) is held only once a year, on the 27th of March (lunar calendar). This market is very special because, as the saying goes, "The market doesn't sell sadness or longing – but yearning permeates every path home." This market is a cultural space, preserving the tearful, heartfelt love story between Ba (a Nung man) and Ut (a Giay woman). From this legend, locals and tourists from all over always want to return to Khau Vai to reconnect with old friends, share stories about life, and experience the tolerant, compassionate atmosphere and rich cultural heritage. The Khau Vai Romantic Market is no longer just a story of the Nung and Giay people, but a cultural convergence point for many ethnic groups living together on the "gateway to heaven." The haunting sound of the Hmong flute calls out to friends, blending with the festive drums of the Lo Lo people, the love songs of the Dao people, and the unique dances of the Nung and Giay people... creating a unique cultural symphony.

In the flow of modern culture, where many traditional values are fading or commercialized, preserving and promoting traditional cultural values has become urgent. The annual Khau Vai Romantic Market Festival, with its many unique and attractive supporting activities reflecting the rich cultural identity of the local community, is an effective way for Ha Giang to preserve and promote its cultural "treasure." Khau Vai is now not only a meeting place for lovers of the past, but also a place for the younger generation to return to, to better understand love, respect for individuals within the cultural framework, and profound humanistic values, serving as a bridge between the past and the present. Maintaining and promoting the Khau Vai Romantic Market is also linked to the sustainable development of tourism .

"The Stone Labyrinth" - a unique experience for tourists visiting Khau Vai Romantic Market (Meo Vac). Photo: Bien Luan.

This year, the festival is organized on a provincial scale with the theme "Khau Vai: The Return," featuring a series of cultural and tourism activities in the rocky plateau region, promising many unique experiences and discoveries for visitors. Highlights include: the "Khau Vai: The Return" art program; incense offering ceremony at the Ông and Bà shrines, a marriage prayer ceremony; competitions: Khen dance, golden bull strength, crossbow shooting, spinning top game, stream fishing, traditional costume performance, linen weaving, embroidery of patterns and motifs on ethnic women's clothing accessories, sticky rice cake making, nightingale singing; folk games; local cuisine and a highland market space, night market, Ha Giang tea culture space and OCOP products of the province; the "Khen Sound Calling Friends" art program; and ethnic sports . Bonfires, traditional love songs sung through earpieces, bird hunting, and other traditional games are being held... Currently, preparations are being urgently implemented by all levels and sectors, ensuring security and safety, promising to bring tourists exciting experiences.

In the gentle weather amidst the majestic mountains, the Khau Vai Cultural Market is a vivid testament to the enduring vitality of ethnic culture, forming the soul of the Ha Giang region. This testament is created through the province's strategy of preserving and promoting cultural identity in conjunction with sustainable tourism development and the collective efforts of the community.

Comment (0)