(VOVworld) The Marian Days is a main festival of the Muong ethnic people in Ba Vi district of Ha Noi. The festival represents the diversity of various ethnic groups in Vietnam as it highlights the Vietnamese tradition of patriotism, handicraft skills and the determination to overcome natural disasters. To Tuan reports:          

The Marian Days festival of Muong ethnic group takes place in the 8^th lunar month. Local people contribute offering to honor the Mother of Saint Tan Vien, one of the 4 immortal genies of Vietnam. Nguyen Van Quy, a local resident, said: “The festival represents Muong ethnic people’s unique cultural identity. The festival is enriched with traditional costumes, gong and dance performances.”

The festival starts with a processing of hamlets in the commune, followed by an offering of sticky rice, incense, alcohol and betel nuts. All local people escort the palanquin in the rhythm of gong performance. The festival includes traditional games such as arrow and bow, and cooking contest. Bui Huu Dang, an organizer said that the Muong ethnic Marian Days festival was restored last year: “We restored the male and female ritual assistant groups and the gong music band. The local music band has performed in other places in the area.”

The ritual is held to worship heroes who rendered great services to the construction of hamlets and villages.      

To Tuan