For local people, the Independence Day is not only a sacred national holiday but also a cultural festival, an occasion for traditional values and ethnic identity to be vividly revived and passed on to younger generations.

Unlike years past, when people in the highlands had to travel hundreds of kilometers over steep passes to Sơn La province to celebrate Independence Day, today the festival is held right in their own villages. From Pu Nhi, Na Son, Xa Dung to remote areas like Tủa Chùa and Mường Nhé, preparations are bustling. After days of hard work in the fields, villagers gather at communal houses to rehearse traditional performances and prepare folk games.

In Pu Nhi commune, one of the places where the Independence Day celebrations have drawn large crowds in recent years, festivities have been lively since mid-August. The sounds of the Mông khèn echo through the valleys, alongside the excitement of the bullfighting contests. On the football field, village teams compete fiercely, their plays met with enthusiastic cheers.

Vừ A Chớ, from Pu Nhi commune’s Economic-Budget Board, shared: “For the past two years, Pu Nhi has organized sports, football matches, and especially bullfighting, a unique cultural highlight, during the Independence Day. This year, to mark the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, we also showcase local agricultural products and traditional cuisine stalls, making the festival truly a celebration of the entire community.”

Bullfighting remains the most anticipated event. Families travel from distant hamlets to witness it, considering it an irreplaceable tradition. Meanwhile, local markets are filled with stalls displaying woven baskets, looms, brocade dresses, corn liquor, mèn mén (steamed cornmeal), and other traditional items. Folk games such as ném pao (cloth ball tossing), stick pushing, top spinning, and archery are planned, attracting both villagers and youth alike.

Evenings are equally lively. At the Phù Lồng village cultural house, young men and women gather under electric lights to practice folk songs, dances, and khèn performances. “We are excited to perform at the commune center on Independence Day,” said Hạng Thị Mai, a member of the local dance troupe. “Every night we rehearse, eager to showcase our culture and celebrate the nation’s 80th National Day.”

The festive atmosphere sweeping through the highland villages of Điện Biên is more than a commemoration of historic victories. It is a bridge preserving cultural traditions, strengthening community bonds, and enriching the spiritual and cultural life of ethnic minorities. Independence Day has truly become a symbol of faith and hope on this heroic land.