The Mong Cultural Festival brings together eight Mong groups from the provinces of Cao Bang, Lao Cai, Dien Bien, Tuyen Quang, Phu Tho, and Nghe An, who will display traditional costumes, patterns, and techniques used in handicraft production.
Visitors will be able to observe the entire linen-making process, from growing flax, joining fibres, and weaving cloth to beeswax painting, indigo dyeing, and fabric embroidery.
An arts performance area will vividly recreate aspects of Mong cultural life, featuring the khen (a traditional flute recognised by UNESCO), as well as courtship singing and folk games such as pao (cloth ball) throwing and spinning tops.
In addition, the programme will offer a diverse array of Mong culinary experiences with signature dishes such as thang co (a traditional dish of the Mong ethnic group), colourful sticky rice, and banh day (round glutinous rice cake) - flavours closely tied to the everyday life of highland communities.
During the event, attendees can interact with artisans, learn about traditional clothing and embroidery motifs, explore cultural and artistic displays, experience stages of flax processing and weaving, beeswax painting, and indigo dyeing, participate in cultural and culinary activities, and enjoy a fashion collection inspired by Mong patterns.
The Mong Cultural Festival is organised by Craft Link - a social enterprise with nearly 30 years of partnership with ethnic minority communities in preserving traditional crafts and supporting livelihoods. The festival aims to build a bridge between the public and Mong cultural heritage while expanding opportunities for artisans to share knowledge and promote sustainable cultural values rooted in craftsmanship.
