Tan Tien bustles with traditional festival season

Nestled proudly at the foot of the majestic Tay Con Linh range, Tan Tien commune comes alive each spring with the vibrant atmosphere of traditional festivals. Situated at an elevation of over 1,500 meters above sea level, this land is home to various ethnic groups, including the Co Lao, Mong, Dao, Tay, and Nung, who together preserve their rich cultural heritage.

Amid the mountainous landscape, rituals praying for good harvests and peace are solemnly held. The sounds of festival drums, the melodies of traditional flutes, and folk songs blend harmoniously with the colorful traditional costumes, creating a vivid cultural tapestry. The fragrance of ancient Shan Tuyet tea spreads through the air, while spring markets and folk games add to the lively spirit, strengthening community bonds and opening up opportunities for highland tourism development.

The “Nam Mieu” shrine in Hop Nhat village and Khu Tru San village dates back to around 1426, with worship rituals maintained continuously by generations of local people.

From early morning, villagers from Ta Chai and visitors gather around ancient Shan Tuyet tea trees to perform a thanksgiving ritual dedicated to the ancient Tung San tea tree.

Offerings such as chickens, pigs, traditional paper, rice wine, and rice are contributed by families, then brought together at the home of a respected community member chosen in advance to prepare for the ceremonies.

A shaman conducts the ritual at Nam Mieu shrine.

The thanksgiving ritual for the ancient Tung San tea tree.

Children in the village wake up early to join their parents in attending the festival.

Women from various ethnic groups, dressed in vibrant traditional attire, take part in the spring festival, adding to the distinctive cultural colors of the highland region.

Traditional dances are reenacted.

Local people manually roast tea.

Local people and visitors enjoy freshly roasted spring tea beneath centuries-old tea trees.

People gather to enjoy tea together.

Locals perform leaf flute music.

Folk artisans perform instrumental music and love duet singing under the canopy of ancient tea trees, contributing to the preservation and promotion of traditional cultural values during the festival season.

After the ceremonial and festive activities conclude, villagers gather around traditional feasts in the mountainous setting, sharing communal meals to celebrate the spring festival.

Nguyen Yem