Drum Festival of the Ma Coong Ethnic Group

After the Tet Holiday celebrated by the Kinh ethnic group, on the first full moon night of the lunar year, the Ma Coong Ethnic Group will hold the Drum Festival, a distinctive event in Quang Binh province that embodies deep-rooted, primitive values, attracting both domestic and international tourists. Despite facing numerous challenges in their day-to-day lives, the Ma Coong people have successfully preserved and passed down this invaluable spiritual heritage. The festival takes place in Truong Trach village, and according to cultural researchers, it serves as a local celebration where villagers express their wishes for good luck, strength, and resilience that reach far and wide.

To honor the achievements of their early leaders, the Ma Coong people jubilantly celebrate the Drum Festival on the 16th day of each lunar month. The ceremonies follow a punctual and strict protocol. The village elder leads the festivities, while every family prepares an array of foods and offerings, including sticky rice, wild bananas, May sprouts, Doac sprouts, chicken, fish sourced from the Forbidden Stream, and Hieng Wine.
Photo: vietnamtourism.org.vn

The drums are crafted from a unique type of tree known as Chi Cup. These trees are valued for their high-quality wood, which is resilient to the elements, including heavy rain and intense sunlight. The drumheads are traditionally made from the skin of deer or buffalo.

The festivities commence when the moon rises on the 16th night of the year. The festival leader wears an intricately embroidered black costume adorned with vibrant patterns. Participants don traditional attire, complemented with silver bracelets and glimmering necklaces. They line up facing the main altar, where five tables laden with food offerings are displayed. After half an hour of prayers, the festival leader initiates a series of resonant drumbeats that reverberate throughout the mountains and forests. Subsequently, five representatives from different families take turns striking the drum, passing the drumsticks to children who join in the rhythm. The drumming continues until the drum breaks and the fire begins to flicker out, restoring the forest to its serene silence.