A highlight was the cap sacᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚ𒀱ᩚᩚᩚ ceremony of the Dao people, marking a man's coming of age. Performed with full traditional rites, the ceremony involved shamans, elders, and young initiates. More than a spiritual event, it reflects community unity and the passing down of moral values.
Pong Thi Loan, local resident
“This festival reflects the beauty of our culture and is a great opportunity to share it with international friends.”
Ly Lin Xieu, local resident
“It preserves our ethnic identity and contributes to the national cultural landscape. The Ban flower symbolizes our heritage and the spirit of the Dao people.”
Visitors also enjoyed a segment of the Gau Tao festival of the Hmong people—one of their most important spiritual events. The haunting sound of the khenꦇ and the graceful dances of men and women in vibrant costumes created a vivid and captivating cultural scene.
The event continued with demonstrations of daily cultural practices, including the xoe dance of the Thai people, men men cooking by the Hmong, and basket weaving by the Ha Nhi. Visitors were invited to take part—embroidering intricate patterns or playing the tinh lute to connect with the soul of the mountains.
Lo Thi Ha Cai, local resident
“This festival means a lot to me. I was born and raised here, and these activities are deeply tied to the identity of the Thai people.”
This event not only preserved and celebrated traditional cultural values but also deepened understanding between locals and visitors. It honored intangible heritage, enriched community life, and added a vibrant highlight to Dien Bien’s tourism scene.
