Resonant sounds of the khèn panpipe, captivating dances, and gatherings filled with solidarity created an emotionally rich festival, allowing the traditional cultural values of the Hmông people to continue being preserved, handed down, and disseminated.

The three days of the 4th Hmông Ethnic Cultural Festival (October 9-11) left many beautiful impressions across the historic land of Điện Biên. Within the brilliantly colorful atmosphere at Mường Thanh Walking Street, the melodies of the Hmông panpipe resonated in harmony with singing, laughter, and warm greetings from compatriots representing 11 provinces across the country.

Following days of spirited competitions and performances, the Organizing Panel presented 3 A prizes, 4 B prizes, and 4 C prizes to delegations achieving outstanding records across categories: Hmông khèn performance arts; exhibition, presentation, and promotion of traditional culture; and demonstrations of traditional crafts and Hmông ethnic attire. In the mass arts festival alone, 14 A prizes, 15 B prizes, and 15 C prizes were awarded to exemplary performances. In traditional sporting disciplines such as football, tug-of-war, stick pushing, tù lu (top spinning), crossbow shooting, and pa pao throwing, athletes delivered captivating matches demonstrating solidarity, honesty, and noble sportsmanship.

Addressing the closing ceremony, Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Nguyễn Minh Phú affirmed: The 4th Hmông Ethnic Cultural Festival achieved fine success across multiple facets, contributing to honoring the distinctive cultural values of the Hmông people, consolidating solidarity, and enhancing mutual understanding and closeness among ethnic groups within the Vietnamese national family. The festival has concluded, but the cultural values, sentiments, and fine impressions forged over recent days will continue to spread. It is believed that following the festival, each artisan, performer, athlete, resident, and visitor will continue to serve as a bridge introducing the signature cultural treasures of the Hmông ethnic group; joining hands to preserve fine traditional cultural values and foster them in harmony with contemporary life.

The festival’s appeal was further demonstrated through enthusiastic reception from the general public and visitors. Throughout the festival days, experiential zones for culture, culinary arts, local specialty showcases, and traditional craft displays continuously attracted sightseers. Many travelers enjoyed their first opportunities to listen directly to the Hmông panpipe, savor mountain delicacies, admire traditional costumes, and learn about the customs and practices of ethnic compatriots. Through these intimate experiences, the beauty of Hmông culture left an even deeper impression in each visitor’s heart.

For Điện Biên province, hosting the festival provided an avenue to showcase the image of a land steeped in historical traditions, rich in cultural identity, friendly, and hospitable. Alongside core activities, sightseeing and experiential itineraries at tourist destinations helped delegates and visitors gain deeper appreciation for local potentials and strengths, especially indigenous cultural values currently leveraged to advance community-based tourism. According to statistics, during the three days of organizing the festival, Điện Biên welcomed over 50,000 visitor arrivals, with total tourism revenue exceeding VND 75 billion.

Attending the Hmông Ethnic Cultural Festival for the first time, Trịnh Vũ Tuyết Nhung, a visitor from Ho Chi Minh City, was particularly impressed by the diverse, colorful cultural atmosphere. Nhung shared: “This is the first time I have attended a Hmông ethnic cultural festival on such a large scale. I am exceptionally impressed by the traditional costumes, panpipe sounds, dance routines, and cultural experiential activities. What thrilled me most was meeting and conversing directly with artisans, understanding more about the customs and daily lives of the Hmông people. This trip to Điện Biên has truly left me with many beautiful memories.”

Amid the bittersweet atmosphere of departure, the Cao Bằng provincial delegation brought home 2 A prizes, 3 B prizes, and 2 C prizes, alongside the hosting flag for the 5th Hmông Ethnic Cultural Festival in 2031. The joy of delegation members was multiplied by the warm sentiments extended by Điện Biên residents toward friends from afar. For Hoàng Thị Lan, a member of the Cao Bằng delegation, taking part in the festival was an occasion to meet artisans and actors, discover diverse nuances of Hmông culture across localities, and feel deeply the hospitality and friendliness of the people of Điện Biên. Hoàng Thị Lan shared: “Our days in Điện Biên left the Cao Bằng delegation with countless impressions and warm feelings. We interacted with and learned a great deal from fellow delegations, particularly the devotion and conscious dedication of artisans and performers toward preserving traditional culture. Điện Biên residents are very friendly and enthusiastic, making us feel right at home. Cao Bằng is deeply honored to host the 5th festival. We look forward to welcoming Điện Biên artisans, performers, and travelers to our scenic Cao Bằng homeland.”

The festival has drawn to a close, yet beautiful echoes of culture, solidarity, and close bonds among Hmông compatriots from diverse regions still linger. The success of the festival further affirms the enduring vitality of traditional cultural values, cherished and passed down through generations, continuing to flourish in contemporary life. These encounters and cultural exchanges have enriched pride and a sense of responsibility in preserving ethnic identity, ensuring culture genuinely serves as an enduring resource for development. Bidding farewell to Điện Biên with fond memories, delegations of artisans, performers, and tourists carry forward an appointment to reunite, continuing the journey honoring the rich cultural colors of the Hmông people amidst the scenic mountains and waters of Cao Bằng.