The annual Gau Tao Festival of the Mong Ethnic people in Mai Chau district, northern Hoa Binh province opened on January 4. It is an age-old rite revealing the cultural features of the locals. The festival is held to pray for good weather and abundant crops. It also provides a chance for the elders to gather and wish each other longevity and bless their descendants with luck and health; and for girls and boys to make a date and pray for happiness all year around.
The patriarch of the festival carries out traditional rites on the first day of the festival
The festival is the place where Mong girls and boys meet with each other
A Mong girl in her beautiful costume at the festival
A food stall at the festival
Mong people dance together at the festival
Mong people participate in traditional folk games
Source: vnanet.vn
