The festival left numerous impressions, contributing to honoring Hmông ethnic cultural identity, consolidating solidarity, and promoting the image of Điện Biên to domestic and international friends.

Within the cultural space of Đắk Lắk province, the chords of an electric guitar resonated alongside lyrics sung in the Hmông language by a young artisan. The performance prompted Lý Thị Kía to linger longer. For her, the intrigue lay not merely in modern musical instruments, but in how youth today utilize contemporary music to articulate the voice of their people. Pavilions representing 11 provinces turned the festival trip into a journey of cultural discovery.

Kía shared: “I visited many exhibition spaces; every booth was beautiful and offered something to learn. But I remember best the young artisan from Đắk Lắk, simultaneously accompanying himself on the electric guitar and singing in Hmông. It sounded novel yet intimately familiar. Seeing young people love the language and songs of their ethnic group and integrate them into modern life brings me immense joy.”

Meeting Lý Thị Ghếnh, who traveled from Na Sang commune and was attentively exploring the art of linen weaving in Tuyên Quang province’s cultural pavilion, one clearly felt her enthusiasm before the intricate stages of crafting traditional fabric. Ghếnh expressed: “Though we are all Hmông people, coming here allowed me to discover many distinct cultural facets of communities in other provinces. I enjoyed watching artisans weave linen with my own eyes the most. Witnessing their skillful, meticulous hands makes one realize how much labor goes into producing a beautiful piece of fabric. Visiting the festival is both joyful and educational, making me even prouder of our ethnic culture.”

The festival ambiance was palpable throughout three days of activities. At times, onlookers were drawn to panpipe melodies and graceful dances; at others, they paused at traditional craft exhibits to admire costumes featuring intricate needlework and patterns. Across sports arenas, cheers erupted alongside tug-of-war, stick pushing, tù lu, crossbow shooting, and pa pao contests.

Having attended the Hmông Ethnic Cultural Festival twice, Nguyễn Thị Thủy, a delegate from Lào Cai province, noted that every participation brings valuable experiences. In her view, while sharing a common Hmông cultural identity, each locality retains unique nuances in attire, performing arts, and traditional customs. The festival enables delegations to interact, learn, and exchange approaches to safeguarding and promoting ethnic heritage. She was particularly impressed by Điện Biên province’s thoughtful organization and warm hospitality. Exchanges and meetings during festival days also serve to unite localities, creating renewed motivation to join hands in preserving traditional culture.

Amid the crowds of attendees, artisans experienced their own sense of fulfillment, bringing forward knowledge transmitted across generations. Meritorious Artisan Sình A Tâu, from Sính Phình commune, was among six meritorious artisans presented with gifts by the Ministry of Ethnic Minorities and Religions in recognition of their festival contributions. He felt proud seeing Hmông culture widely showcased and embraced by locals and tourists. Yet, his lingering concern is ensuring these values do not cease once the days of performance conclude. According to him, those who master trades and understand customs must patiently transmit them so younger generations learn and practice; only then will panpipe tunes, handicrafts, and ancestral virtues continue to thrive in daily life.

Following days of touring and experiencing the festival, Hà Huy Hoàng, a visitor from Hà Nội, was especially impressed by the rich diversity of activities. From Hmông panpipe arts performances, mass arts festivals, and ethnic costume showcases to spaces exhibiting linen weaving, pattern embroidery, and handicrafts from 11 provinces, each activity offered engaging experiences. Ethnic sports such as tug-of-war, stick pushing, crossbow shooting, tù lu, and pa pao also drew large crowds of spectators and supporters, generating a festive, animated atmosphere.

What delighted Hoàng most was that the barrier between performers and audiences seemed to vanish. Visitors could stop to converse with artisans, learn how traditional items are made, immerse themselves in cultural exchanges, and share in the community’s joy. According to him, this close, vivid interaction enabled audiences to gain a clearer appreciation of the lifestyle, customs, and heritage preserved by the Hmông people across generations. The weekend trip thus became a memorable journey, leaving him with fond impressions of Điện Biên’s culture and people.

We encountered Philippe Le Goff, a 54-year-old tourist from France, as he stood contemplatively before the Điện Biên provincial Hmông cultural space. In conversation, he revealed that this marked his fifth visit to Việt Nam and his second time returning to Điện Biên. He considered himself fortunate that his journey coincided with the Hmông Ethnic Cultural Festival, allowing him to immerse himself in the celebratory atmosphere and explore the distinctive cultural nuances of highland communities.

Yet what inspired his deep affection for Điện Biên was also its mountain landscapes, hospitable people, and historical depth. He movedly shared: “I wanted to return here because the mountains and the people are truly wonderful. What makes it special is also the atmosphere, the history of Điện Biên Phủ. The first time I came here, I wept with emotion. Every time I return, I still feel very powerful emotions. I admire the Việt Namese people...”

The festival has drawn to a close, yet the cultural values showcased, the encounters made, and the bonds forged among regional communities continue to be cherished and nurtured. The festival’s success affirms the care of the Party and State for preserving and promoting ethnic cultural identities; while awakening community pride and responsibility in safeguarding heritage, consolidating great national unity, and leveraging cultural resources to serve socio-economic development.