Gau Tao – The Mong ethnic group's biggest festival in northern mountain

Gau Tao Festival showcases the rich culture of the Mong people. (Photo: Thanh Son/nhandan.vn)

In the Mong language, Gau Tao means "outdoor play" or "hill play festival." (Photo: Dinh Thuy/VNA)

Artisan Giang A Su says the Gau Tao Festival has been symbolizing prayers for children, blessings, prosperity, and a bountiful harvest. It is usually held in early spring, between the 1st and 15th day of the first lunar month. (Photo: An Vi/laodong.vn)

The Gau Tao Festival has two main parts: the ceremony and the festivities. The ceremony includes sacred rituals, starting with the selection of an auspicious day. Traditionally, villagers cut and erect a pole to which a red ribbon is tied in an open space to mark the beginning of the festival. In the photo, artisan Giang A Su performs a ritual to thank the gods according to traditional customs. (Photo: baoxaydung.com.vn)

The Mong people see the pole as a sacred symbol of eternal life and the soul of the Gau Tao Festival. Its trunk is decorated in three colors—green, red, and yellow—representing the beauty of the nature, flowers, and fruits. (Photo: baoyenbai.com.vn)

The festival features exciting sports and games, including a rice cake pounding contest, spinning top game, tug of war, stick pushing, and pao throwing. In the photo, delegates participating in pao throwing at the Gau Tao Festival 2025. (Photo: baoyenbai.com.vn)

A panpipe dance at the festival. (Photo: Thanh Son/nhandan.vn)

Rice cake pounding contest – an indispensable activity at the Mong people’s Gau Tao Festival. (Photo: Dinh Thuy/VNA)

The festival strengthens community bonds and highlights traditions. (Photo: An Vi/laodong.vn)

Gau Tao Festival of the Mong people in Tram Tau, Van Chan, and Mu Cang Chai districts (Yen Bai province) was recognized as National Intangible Cultural Heritage by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism on February 14, 2025. (Photo: baodantoc.vn)

Gau Tao – The Mong ethnic group's biggest festival in northern mountain

23-02-2025 13:09

(VOVWORLD) - Gau Tao is the Mong community's large-scale festival, deeply tied to their spiritual life in the northern mountainous province of Yen Bai.