Attending the opening ceremony were Major General Nguyen Minh Tuan, member of the Standing Board of the provincial Party Committee, Director of the provincial Department of Public Security and deputy head of the Steering Committee, and other officials. 

Suoi To, a remote mountainous commune in Son La province, faces considerable economic challenges. The commune has more than 1,000 households and a population of 6,634, almost all of whom are Mong people living in eight hamlets. In recent years, with support from the Party and the State, and through the concerted efforts of local Party officials, authorities and residents, the commune has made progress in various sectors. Living standards have gradually improved, while the Mong community’s rich cultural heritage has been preserved and promoted.

The festival is part of efforts to implement Project 173. Taking place on October 23-24, it features a range of cultural activities, including traditional ethnic sports competitions and folk games, exhibitions of local products, amateur performances, the “Back to My Hamlet” game show and the Suoi To highland market. A low-altitude fireworks display at the commune People’s Committee headquarters is also adding to the festive atmosphere, drawing local residents and visitors.

On the occasion, festival organisers provided 35 million VND (1,354 USD) to fund safe electrical connections for 16 households in Tro hamlet, and presented gifts to 11 respected community representatives and six individuals actively involved in the commune’s community reintegration programme.

Following the opening ceremony, traditional sports competitions and folk games got underway, featuring pao (cloth ball) throwing, tug-of-war, stick pushing, crossbow shooting, spinning-top games and glutinous rice cake pounding. Eight hamlet teams and 180 athletes took part. Festivalgoers could also visit stalls showcasing distinctive local agricultural products./.