The Mong ethnic community in the northern province of Son La celebrates their traditional New Year about a month earlier than the Lunar New Year. During this time, the Mong people joyfully welcome the New Year with hope for a life filled with greater warmth and happiness in the year ahead.
In Ta So village, Chieng Hac commune, Moc Chau district, Son La province, traditional Mong homes are nestled among peach and plum orchards. During the New Year festivities, family members gather to prepare traditional dishes and welcome guests.
The Mong people believe in the philosophy that “all things possess a spirit,” so they paste votive paper on their tools and household items to symbolise that these tools, too, deserve to "rest" after a year of hard work.
New Year is also an occasion for the Mong people to relax and enjoy themselves after a year of hard work. During this time, people gather to play traditional games. Young men and women showcase their talents in singing, dancing, and playing the khen (a traditional Mong bamboo pipe) and flute. The uniqueജ cultural traditions of the Mong community attract both visitors and locals.
Ta So village in Chieng Hac commune has been chosen by Moc Chau district as a key site for developing Mong community tourism. As a result, the Mong people in Ta So village are celebrating the New Year with renewed pride, restoring and preserving their beautiful traditions and unique cultural heritage as part of their community-based tourism initiatives./.
