Ha Giang Fire Dance Festival: The unique cultural beauty of the Pa Then people

1. Introduction to the Fire Dance Festival and the Pa Then people

1.1. The Pa Then people – The soul of the Fire Dance Festival
The Pa Then people, an ethnic minority living in the mountainous region of Northern Vietnam, currently have a population of about 3,700 people (as of 2020). They are mainly concentrated in Ha Giang and Tuyen Quang. The main occupation of the Pa Then people is slash-and-burn farming, growing rice and corn – the main food crops.

In a life of hard work but full of joy, the Pa Then people have created unique cultural values. The birth of the Fire Dance Festival not only reflects an optimistic spirit, but also expresses the desire to conquer nature, the wish for favorable weather and a prosperous life.

1.2. Time and location of the Fire Jumping Festival
The Fire Jumping Festival is usually held at the time of transition from the old year to the new year, when people have just finished a bumper crop. Depending on the auspicious day, the festival takes place from the 10th to the 11th lunar month and lasts until the 15th day of the first lunar month of the following year.

In Ha Giang, the festival is held in Tan Bac commune, Quang Binh district. The festival area is a large circle, fenced off to separate the participants from the visitors and spectators.

2. Activities in the Fire Jumping Festival
   When everything is ready, the festival begins with a ritual of worshiping the gods performed by the shamans. With a tray of offerings to the gods, they light candles and incense and call on the gods to descend to earth, giving strength to the participants.

After about 20 – 30 minutes of performing the ritual, the young men participating begin to feel the power of the gods. Their bodies trembled, their eyes filled with determination, then they threw themselves into the blazing fire with bare feet. Some confident people even picked up hot coals or chewed them, surprising and delighting the spectators.

The climax of the festival is when the shaman – the leader of the ritual – immersed himself in the fire. The bright red color of the Pa Then people’s clothes blended with the firelight to create a majestic, unforgettable scene.

3. The meaning of the Fire Jumping Festival
   The Fire Jumping Festival has profound spiritual value in the life of the Pa Then people. They believe that this is a ritual to welcome the gods to join the joy of the village, praying for favorable weather, bountiful crops, and good health.

In addition, fire jumping also helps young men in the village show their courage and strong will in the face of harsh nature. In particular, shamans and those who practice the ritual believe that after each time participating in the festival, they will become wiser and stronger.

4. Unforgettable experiences in Ha Giang
   The Fire Dance Festival is not only a special cultural event but also offers the opportunity to experience the unique traditional culture of the Pa Then people. Coming to Ha Giang on this occasion, visitors will feel the community connection and spiritual strength to overcome nature of the ethnic people here.

In addition to the Fire Dance Festival, you can also participate in other special events in Ha Giang such as the Gau Tao Festival, the Buckwheat Flower Festival, or the Moon Praying Festival. Each festival is a unique cultural piece, creating a colorful and attractive picture of Ha Giang.

Come to Ha Giang and immerse yourself in the magical fire of the Pa Then people, to feel the strong vitality and faith in nature of the people here!

Contact us to learn more about Ha Giang and its special cultural festivals:

📍 Address: 68 Phung Hung, Group 17, Tran Phu Ward, City. Ha Giang, Vietnam
📞 Phone number/Zalo/WhatsApp: 0978898178 – 0888815283
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