There is a unique festival of Dao ethnic group you must see – the “Dancing over fire” festival. This festival takes place every year to pray for good weather, harvests, bringing warmth to the people, dispel the cold mountainous weather. The chosen ones are strong healthy guys. The shaman will do some mysterious rituals, praying the Gods give the chosen men strength. After the shaman finish the first rituals, the men have shivers, signaling they are about to receive the strength and courage to jump and dance on the embers in front of people. The shaman drum become more and more impulsive, the men dance with stronger movements and jump on the embers. What a spectacular and unique scene, it really makes you feel closer to the gods above.
Nowadays, bullfighting (or buffalo fighting) is still one of the most famous festivals. It has been maintained and developed in the plains and some place in midland. This festival although a little bit violent but it is an indispensable features of agricultural culture in which the buffalo is an essential animal and the strength of them is one of the most crucial factors. This festival is so famous that even the guests have to come early to reserve a good seat. A clan or village owns “the champion buffalo” feel very honored, proud and have more confidence in a year filled with health, luck, good weather, harvest …
Almost all the provinces along the coastline have their own boat racing competition. According to the researchers, boat racing competitions originated from the worship to god whale, earth spirit and river spirit. It represents the love of the fishermen to the sea and the dream to conquer it. The fishermen show their strength, their solidarity and their skills in this contest.
Traditional festivals play a very important role in culture. Although many of them can not maintain the original rituals but the spirit and the meaning of them will never change in each Vietnamese mind. We inherited precious tradition from our forefathers and we will do our best to maintain and develop it in our own way.
Traveling Vietnam by motorbike to remote areas at the New Year time you’ll have more chances to join at meaningful festivals of the local hill tribes. Vietnam Motorbike Tour Expert team is ready to travel and discover the the meaning of the traditional festivals in Vietnam.
