 The Xoe-Gong Festival in Ban Bo, Lai Chau province (Photo: Khac Kien/ VOV-Northwest) |
The Xoe-Gong Festival is one of the most important cultural celebrations of the Thai in north-west Vietnam and the Thai community in Bản Bo commune in particular. It takes place from the first to the fifteenth day of the first lunar month.
From early morning, the Na Khuong waterwheel area is crowded with people dressing their most beautiful traditional costumes. When the gongs are played, both the locals and visitors of all ages gather to make the xoe circle dance in a shared rhythm of unity. For the Thai people, the xòe dance is the soul of village life. Each graceful arm movement and gentle step symbolize their hopes for prosperity, peace and well-being.
 The Xoe-Gong Festival begins as a shaman and local residents perform a gong-cleansing ritual on the Na Khuong stream. (Photo: Khac Kien/ VOV-Northwest) |
Thai woman Hoang Thi Loi from Hua San village said: “As a member of the art troupe of Hua Sẳn village, I’m very honoured and delighted to take part in this festival. I hope it will be organized every year to preserve and promote Thai traditions to visitors.”
In the evenings, young villagers light a bonfire as the beat of drums and gongs invites people to join the xòe circle. Participants hold hands to form one or more circles, depending on their number and the available space. When the circle grows larger, people may separate to form concentric rings. Though simple in form, the xoe dance reflects a strong sense of community and attracts broad participation.
 Xoe-Gong Festival is a spiritual ritual praying for favorable weather, good harvests, health and happiness. (Photo: Khac Kien/VOV-Northwest) |
In addition to rituals and dance performances, this year’s festival features a range of experiential activities closely linked to local life, including the “Ban Bo Tea Fragrance” running race, bamboo and rattan weaving competitions, cultural exchanges between villages, traditional costume shows, and ethnic folk games.
On the nearby hydropower reservoir, a raft race draws many young rowers from neighbouring villages and a large crowd of cheering spectators. Along the Na Khuong stream, visitors enjoy catching fish with the local residents using simple bamboo fishing traps. Nguyen Thu Thuy, a visitor from Hanoi, said: “I love traveling to the north-west. I really enjoy the festival, especially the distinctive ethnic culture. The people are very friendly and the joyful atmosphere gives me memorable experiences.”
 People joyfully attend the festival (Photo: Khac Kien/VOV-Northwest) |
Nguyen Van Chien, Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Ban Bo commune, said that a highlight of this year’s festival is an exhibition of local agricultural products and specialities such as tea, rice, honey, brocade textiles and handicrafts. The authorities plan to develop the festival into an annual event.
 All participants join the xoe dance. (Photo: Khac Kien/VOV-Northwest) |
“The Xoe-Gong Festival is a distinctive celebration of the Thai ethnic community. People wish for favourable weather, abundant harvests and prosperous, happy families in the New Year. By expanding the festival, we hope the number of visitors will increase about 10% each year, generating more jobs and income for local people,” Chien said.
The Thai people have a saying: “Without xoe, the rice will not bloom, maize will not bear cobs, and young men and women will not find their partners.” For this reason, the xòe dance has become an indispensable part of their life.