Bringing the spirit of Spring to the community
On January 24 - 25, the People’s Committee of Van Ho Commune, Son La Province organized the festival “A joyful and greener new spring” at the Lung Xa – Ta De village sports ground (Van Ho Commune, Son La Province). The event featured a range of vibrant community-based cultural and sporting activities welcoming the New Year of the local Mong ethnic community.
When traditional culture blends with a green message
The festival was hosted by the People’s Committee of Van Ho Commune in coordination with Pa Co Agriculture and Tourism Cooperative and Song Tra Tours, with the participation of the People and Nature Reconciliation (PanNature), a science and technology organization specializing in environmental protection and biodiversity conservation affiliated with the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations (VUSTA).
Beyond creating a joyful and connected atmosphere in the early days of the new year, the festival offered an opportunity for the community to preserve and promote traditional cultural values while conveying meaningful messages on nature conservation and environmental protection. From the women’s inter-village football tournament and community cultural performances rich in local identity, to traditional sports and folk games such as pounding glutinous rice cakes, stick pushing, crossbow shooting, tug-of-war – bringing the forest back to the gibbons etc. each activity attracted enthusiastic participation from both local residents and visitors.
Tug-of-war competition between villages in Van Ho Commune, Son La Province
Cultural and sporting activities attract strong participation from residents and visitors
In addition, experiential cycling races, cross-country running, and exhibition spaces showcasing local culture, cuisine, and products vividly reflected the daily life and cultural identity of the Mong people in Van Ho. These activities also fostered positive connections between the community, visitors, and development initiatives linked to conservation.
The warm and lively moments throughout the festival highlighted the power of community cohesion, where traditional culture, sporting spirit, and the message of living in harmony with nature came together and spread across the springtime highlands.
PanNature is one of many organizations affiliated with VUSTA that have made active contributions to community-based initiatives across various fields, including the preservation and promotion of local cultural values, environment protection, education, and community healthcare, thereby contributing effectively to the country’s sustainable socio-economic development.
