Xuong Dong - Festival of Muong people

This festival shares similarities with the Long Tong festival of the Tay-Nung ethnic groups. The primary purpose of this celebration is to pray for good harvests, favorable weather, and abundant lives. It is also an occasion for the Muong people to relax, enjoy themselves, and express their hopes for a beautiful and peaceful life.

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The festival occurs annually at the onset of spring. In 2025, Muong Bi will hold its opening ceremony on January 26th (lunar calendar), concluding three days later by January 29th.

The celebrations may differ across communes. In Phong Phu commune, the festival takes place at a location that maximizes community participation. Participants can watch a magician in traditional attire perform rituals representing the entire community, praying to Saint Tan for plentiful harvests. A muntjac or an ox will be sacrificed as an offering; however, a buffalo is not used. After the worship ceremony, the villagers will share the meat together. The celebrations continue with the procession of Saint Tan’s statue to the temple, accompanied by musical performances. On the grasslands, the gong teams from various communes will compete, showcasing their skills. Attendees can enjoy free Ruou Can (pipe-wine) in designated areas or participate in various festival activities throughout the event.

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In another commune, Tan Lap in Lac Son district, the Xuong Dong festival is celebrated with a unique twist. The festival’s main activities take place at the central temple on Dam Dun, which houses a mysterious skull. Legend has it that this skull was discovered by local herbalists in a stream. When divided into two groups for a game, one group prayed before the skull and, to their surprise, emerged victorious. Since then, the skull has been considered sacred and is housed in the main temple. Interestingly, rather than having a fixed date, the opening time of the Xuong Dong festival is determined by the outcomes of the villagers’ hunting and fishing activities. Once these activities conclude, the date for the festival is set, and it begins with a ritual of worship.