The vibrant Điện Biên Đông Spring Festival

ĐBP – Every spring, Điện Biên Đông District comes alive with its annual Spring Festival. This is not just a chance for locals to unwind and celebrate after a year of hard work, but also an opportunity to showcase the beauty of the land and its people, introducing the charm of the Northwest to visitors from near and far.

The festival is a feast for the senses: bustling crowds, young women in their finest traditional attire, the soulful melodies of the khèn (panpipes), and the sparkle of joy in every eye as colourful pao balls fly through the air. Together, these moments create a unique experience that has made the Điện Biên Đông Spring Festival a cherished tradition, welcoming the new year with energy, culture, and delight.

The Điện Biên Đông Spring Festival is held at the start of the year with a variety of traditional cultural and sporting activities.

The 2025 Ất Tỵ Spring Festival in Điện Biên Đông is set to take place from January 30 to February 1, 2025 (the 2nd to 4th days of the Lunar New Year), featuring a wide range of exciting cultural and sporting activities that highlight the rich traditions of the highland ethnic communities.

Key events include bullfighting competitions, traditional costume showcases, khèn (panpipe) performances, sticky rice cake pounding, bánh chưng wrapping contests, and various sports competitions. These activities will be spread across the district’s streets, stadium, and outdoor stages in the centre of Điện Biên Đông.

Among the cultural and sporting activities, the highlight is the traditional bullfighting competition, which brings together strong, resilient bulls carefully selected from within and beyond the district. More than just a competition of strength, the event is an opportunity for locals to unwind, celebrate their livestock-raising achievements, and enjoy the festive spirit after a year of hard work.

The standout event of the Điện Biên Đông Spring Festival is the bullfighting competition, which attracts enthusiastic crowds from across the province and beyond.

Nguyễn Văn Tăng, Vice Chairman of the Điện Biên Đông District People’s Committee, said: “The Điện Biên Đông Spring Festival is a vibrant series of competitions and cultural exchanges that showcase the unique traditions and daily life of the local people. Among these, the annual bullfighting competition stands out as a key highlight of the district.”

To establish the event as a signature attraction, the district has actively promoted it through social media and other communication channels. Efforts have been made to expand its reach, turning the competition into a meaningful and engaging event for the entire Northwest region. This year, participation has extended beyond the district and province, with bull owners from neighbouring areas such as Sơn La already registered for the 2025 Ất Tỵ Spring Festival.

According to recent reports, more than 60 bulls will compete in this year’s event, with the highest number of entries coming from Phì Nhừ and Sa Dung communes.

Vàng A Vy from Chua Ta B Village, Phì Nhừ Commune, prepares special feed for his fighting bull ahead of the Spring Festival.

Trá Giống Trư, Vice Chairman of Phì Nhừ Commune People’s Committee, said: “This year, Phì Nhừ Commune plans to enter 13 pairs of bulls into the competition. These bulls have been carefully selected and well looked after, promising thrilling matches for locals and visitors alike. After the festival, the finest bulls are chosen for breeding to improve local livestock quality. As a result, the movement to raise strong, healthy bulls for the festival has gained significant support among our residents.”

Each cultural participant and local resident plays an essential role in developing and promoting the Điện Biên Đông Spring Festival as a signature annual event.

Vàng A Vy, a resident of Chua Ta B Village, Phì Nhừ Commune, and a prize winner in the 2024 bullfighting competition, said: “After my family’s bull won, many bull owners from inside and outside the province asked about my training and care techniques to raise strong, resilient bulls. Through conversations, sharing, and learning from one another, I hope more people will join the competition and experience this unique early-year tradition of the highlands.”

Bull owners exchange tips and techniques as they prepare for the early-year Spring Festival bullfighting competition.

The Điện Biên Đông Spring Festival is expected to contribute to improving the socio-economic life of the region, providing a wholesome recreational space and creating an attractive tourism product to draw visitors.

With the joint efforts of local authorities, organisations, and ethnic communities, the Điện Biên Đông Spring Festival is gradually establishing its reputation, carving out its unique identity with the rich cultural traditions of the highlands.

Trần Nhâm

Comment

You have 500/500 characters left

Please enter 5 or more characters!!!

Recent news

  • 'Ensuring seedling supply for the reforestation season

    Ensuring seedling supply for the reforestation season

    BUSINESS -
    ĐBP - The reforestation season in Điện Biên province typically begins in mid-May and lasts until the end of July each year. To meet the demand for seedlings, nurseries and enterprises have been preparing for months, cultivating and nurturing forestry seedlings to ensure high-quality supply for the new planting season.
  • 'Vibrant youth month

    Vibrant youth month

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP -  In response to the 2025 Youth Month, young members of various youth union chapters across the province have launched numerous meaningful and practical activities, projects, and initiatives at the grassroots level. These efforts vividly demonstrate the pioneering spirit, volunteerism, and creativity of Vietnamese youth, echoing President Hồ Chí Minh’s teaching: “Wherever there is a need, there are youth, wherever there is difficulty, there are youth”.
  • 'The sad fate of the Youth Village project

    The sad fate of the Youth Village project

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP - Tân Quang hamlet was once recognized as the first model Youth Settlement Village in the border commune of Na Tông (Điện Biên district, Điện Biên province), carrying high hopes of bringing a “new breeze” to transform the socio-economic landscape of this challenging region. However, nearly two decades later, both the name and the “traces” of the Youth Settlement Village have all but disappeared.
  • 'Private tutoring in Điện Biên follows regulations

    Private tutoring in Điện Biên follows regulations

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP - Since the implementation of Circular No.29/2024/TT-BGDĐT issued by the Ministry of Education and Training on private tutoring (Circular 29 in short), many enterprises and individuals in Điện Biên have registered to provide paid tutoring services outside of school settings. These establishments are operating in accordance with regulations, with no reported cases of widespread or unregulated tutoring.
  • 'Countering false and hostile viewpoints ahead of the National Party Congress

    Countering false and hostile viewpoints ahead of the National Party Congress

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    ĐBP - Ahead of each National Party Congress, hostile forces often propagate false viewpoints, misinformation, and spread slanderous accusations aimed at distorting, discrediting the Party, and undermining the State. In response to these schemes, local Party committees and authorities have proactively implemented preventive measures, focusing on disseminating positive and official information while strictly handling violations.
  • 'Điện Biên tries to mitigate disruptions in safe agricultural supply chain

    Điện Biên tries to mitigate disruptions in safe agricultural supply chain

    BUSINESS -
    ĐBP - To meet consumer demand for clean food and promote sustainable agriculture, the province has encouraged stakeholders to establish safe food supply chains. However, due to high investment costs, stringent processes, and inconsistent supervision, the number of certified supply chains remains limited. Many chains, even after certification, fail to operate effectively and, in some cases, cease operations entirely.
  • 'Food safety first: Protecting consumers’ health

    Food safety first: Protecting consumers’ health

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP - Promoting public awareness, strengthening inspection and supervision activities, and strictly handling violations have significantly contributed to raising awareness and compliance with food safety and hygiene laws among organizations, individuals, and businesses.
  • 'Tuần Giáo makes efforts to eliminate temporary and dilapidated houses

    Tuần Giáo makes efforts to eliminate temporary and dilapidated houses

    BUSINESS -
    ĐBP - In an effort to support disadvantaged households facing housing difficulties, ensuring they have stable and secure homes to focus on economic development and achieve sustainable poverty alleviation, Tuần Giáo district, Điện Biên province has been implementing flexible measures to eliminate temporary and dilapidated houses for the poor in the area.
  • 'Effective career guidance: Unlocking the future

    Effective career guidance: Unlocking the future

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP - Career orientation and guidance play a crucial role in helping high school students choose the right career path that aligns with their abilities, strengths, and the labor market’s demands. Recognizing its importance, educational institutions across Điện Biên province have implemented various career counseling initiatives to support students in making informed career decisions.
  • 'Talks on breakthrough science and technology initiatives

    Talks on breakthrough science and technology initiatives

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP -  On the morning of March 29, the Điện Biên provincial Department of Science and Technology held a working session with Hanoi University of Science and Technology (HUST) and STEAM for Vietnam to discuss breakthrough science and technology (S&T) initiatives for 2025 and beyond.
  • 'Tủa Chùa women active in start-up movement

    Tủa Chùa women active in start-up movement

    BUSINESS -
    ĐBP - In implementing the project “Women’s start-up period 2017-2025”, the Women’s Union of Tủa Chùa district, Điện Biên province has organized various programs and activities to support and encourage women in starting their own businesses. These efforts have helped to promote the strengths and expertise of union members, enabling women to develop economically.