Opening of the 2026 Gau Tao Festival of the Mong People in Pa Co Commune

On January 31, at the Xa Linh village stadium, the People’s Committee of Pa Co Commune solemnly held the opening ceremony of the 2026 Gau Tao Festival. This significant cultural event attracted a large number of local residents and tourists from both inside and outside the province, contributing to the honoring, preservation, and promotion of the traditional cultural identity of the Mong ethnic group in the area.

Mr. Bui Duc Hinh – Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Provincial People’s Council, along with leaders of various departments, presented flowers in celebration.

The Gau Tao Festival is highlighted by the ritual of erecting the votive tree—a sacred symbol connecting heaven and earth.

Pa Co commune currently has a population of over 11.5 thousand people living in 18 villages, with the Mong ethnic group accounting for approximately 65%. In traditional Mong belief, every land has its master, represented by the gods of the mountains, forests, and rivers. The Mong share a worldview similar to many other ethnic groups, viewing the sky as round and the earth as square; the universe consists of three layers and four worlds. The highest is “Giang”—the world of heaven—followed by the world of ancestors and the world of deities who govern all species. Rooted in this perception of the universe and animistic spiritual beliefs, the Gau Tao Festival was formed and has been passed down through many generations.

The festival atmosphere was lively with traditional dances around the votive tree to the rhythmic sound of the panpipe.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr. Sung A Chenh—Secretary of the Pa Co Commune Party Committee—emphasized: "2026 marks the first year the Gau Tao Festival is organized at the communal level following the administrative merger, and it is also the 10th year the festival has been held annually." This affirms the deep commitment of all levels of government to preserving the traditional cultural values of the Mong people. The festival not only meets the cultural and spiritual needs of the people but also serves as an opportunity to promote the history, culture, and tourism potential of the locality to visitors.

Many unique activities took place during the festival, such as the sticky rice cake pounding competition.

The Party Secretary of Pa Co commune affirmed that in recent years, thanks to the attention of the Party and State, the material and spiritual lives of the locals have continuously improved. Nomadic lifestyles have been phased out, and villages have become stable and concentrated. Many effective economic models, such as raising black chickens and black pigs, or growing oranges and Shan Tuyet tea, have been implemented, contributing to higher incomes and the preservation of ethnic identity.

Mr. Bui Duc Hinh presented gifts to policy-beneficiary families and households in difficult circumstances in Pa Co commune.

The Gau Tao Festival consists of two main parts: the Ceremony and the Festival. The Ceremony is highlighted by the ritual of erecting the votive tree—a sacred pole connecting heaven and earth. It is placed on a wide, flat area with its tip pointing East—the direction of birth and the sun—symbolizing the aspiration for growth and a bountiful harvest. The ritual is conducted solemnly with traditional offerings, praying for the gods to protect the village and grant favorable weather and prosperity.

The Festival part features vibrant dances around the votive tree performed by people of all ages to the sound of the Khen. The Panpipe, a sacred cultural and spiritual symbol of the Mong, resonates throughout the festive atmosphere.

Within the framework of the festival, from January 30 to February 1, 2026, many other special activities also took place, including: an art performance program, Panpipe dancing, “sticky rice cake” pounding competitions, exhibitions of local products, “Pao” throwing, and various other traditional folk games of the Mong people.

Manh Hung