A Spring Festival Bringing More Joy and a Greener Spirit

Over two days, January 24–25, 2026, the stadium of Lung Xa – Ta De village (Van Ho Commune, Son La Province) came alive with vibrant colors and festive energy during the community event “Spring Festival: More Joy, More Green”. The festival was organized as a cultural and sports celebration to welcome the traditional New Year by the local Hmong community.

Beyond creating a joyful and festive atmosphere at the beginning of the year, the event also provided an opportunity for the community to preserve and share traditional cultural values while spreading meaningful messages about protecting nature and the environment. From the women’s inter-village football tournament and lively community performances rich in ethnic identity, to traditional sports and games such as pounding banh day, stick pushing, crossbow shooting, tug-of-war, and the symbolic “pulling the forest back for gibbons,” each activity attracted enthusiastic participation from both local residents and visitors.

In addition, experiential cycling races, cross-country running, and spaces showcasing local culture, cuisine, and products helped vividly recreate the cultural life of the Hmong community in Van Ho. These activities also fostered positive connections between local communities, visitors, and development initiatives linked with conservation.

The festival “Spring Festival: More Joy, More Green” was organized by the Van Ho Commune People’s Committee, in coordination with technical partners, local village communities, and with the support of People and Nature Reconciliation (PanNature), Pa Co Agriculture and Tourism Cooperative, Song Tra Tours, and other partners.

The lively and heartwarming moments throughout the festival highlighted the strength of community connection, where traditional culture, sporting spirit, and the message of living in harmony with nature came together and spread across the spring landscape of the northern highlands.