Long Tong Festival: The Going-to-the-Fields Celebration of the Tay in Lao Cai
In the mountains of the Northwest, as spring arrives, the Tay people in Phong Du Thuong commune, Lao Cai province, joyfully celebrate the Long Tong Festival, also known as the Going-to-the-Fields Festival. This is a distinctive cultural event reflecting the agricultural life and community spirit of the Tay people.
Origins and Timing
Long Tong originates from the wet-rice agricultural beliefs of the Tay. It is a time to thank the deities for the past year's harvest and to pray for favorable weather and good crops in the new year. The festival is held early in the new year, after the Lunar New Year, marking the start of the new farming season.
The Ritual Part
The ceremony begins with a procession led by village elders, followed by drummers, gong players, and locals in vibrant traditional attire. Offerings, including sticky rice, boiled chicken, cakes, and local fruits, are presented to the deities to show gratitude.
A key ritual is the symbolic ploughing. The chairman of the commune performs the first ploughing and sowing of seeds on a symbolic field. This act opens the new production season and prays for a prosperous year.
The Festive Part
The festival atmosphere is enriched by performances of 'Then' dancing, a unique folk art of the Tay, accompanied by the sounds of the 'Tinh' lute. Young Tay women in their beautiful traditional dresses add to the visual splendor.
Folk games are a major highlight, attracting both locals and tourists. Activities such as tug-of-war, throwing a 'con' ball (a woven shuttlecock), blindfolded drum-beating, and catching ducks create a lively and joyful atmosphere. These games foster community bonds and cultural exchange.
Festival and Tourism
Beyond its spiritual role, the Long Tong Festival is a unique cultural product that promotes Lao Cai's tourism. Visitors can experience traditional customs and enjoy local highland specialties. The festival has become a must-visit destination for those exploring the Northwest, helping to preserve cultural identity while boosting the local economy.
