(VOVworld) – The unique festivals of all the 54 ethnic groups across Vietnam have been held at the Culture-Tourism Village of Vietnamese Ethnic Groups on the outskirts of Hanoi. This special event featured the cultural characteristics of each ethnic group and the unity of the Vietnamese people.

A sorcerer of Lo Lo ethnicity from Ha Giang province was praying for rain for his villagers. This ceremony opened the grand festival of all Vietnamese ethnic groups this year. Director of the Ha Giang provincial Cultural Center Ho Viet Son said: “People of Lo Lo ethnicity and other groups in Ha Giang province live on stone plateaus with harsh weather. It rains very little at the beginning of the year so they have to pray for rain to have adequate water for farming and husbandry.”

Unlike that of the Lo Lo, the rain prayer ceremony of the Cor ethnic minorities in Quang Nam province was attended by patriarchs and other villagers. This sacred ceremony was accompanied by the echoing gongs. Duong Thi Thanh Lan was proud to introduce the cultural characteristics of her ethnic group to visitors: “I’m happy to meet people of other ethnic groups and tell them about our cultural traditions.”

In another corner, Brau people from Kon Tum province were placing some jars of wine, 3 chickens, 3 pigs, and a goat on banana tree leaves to prepare for the rice-growing ceremony.

Meanwhile, at the corner for Thai ethnic people, Mr. Mun Luong was saying prayers to ask heaven for permission to conduct a Cha festival to wish for luck and peace.

In addition to the sacred rituals, traditional dances and songs made the atmosphere even more joyful. Vuong Van Tien of Nung ethnicity from Cao Bang province said he was excited to attend such a festival: “I’m very glad to be here and learn about the cultures of other ethnic groups. I’m very interested in the costumes of the Pa Then in Ha Giang, particularly their scarves.”

Apart from rituals and cultural traditions, a horse race, typical of H’mong people in Lao Cai province was also held at the festival.

16 horses were racing to the cheers of surrounding spectators. This was the first time that such a race was held in the capital. Vu Van Tien of Phuc Tho in Hanoi said: “The race was very exciting. If it was not held here, I would never have had a chance to see it.”

Rider Vang Seo Huynh and horse 416 won the race.

Among the festival goers was a delegation of overseas Vietnamese, who made great contributions to the homeland. Bui Hung of Poland said: “This is the first time I’ve come here with other overseas Vietnamese. The festival gives us a sense of national unity and features the diverse cultures of Vietnamese ethnic groups.”