A pounding competition to make Banh Day, a type of round-shaped rice cake, serves as the main activity of the festival, drawing the participation of 26 teams from across Mu Cang Chai mountainous district. The first-ever event has captured the attention of plenty of local people and tourists in attendance. |
Green beans are one of the key ingredients in making this delicious cake. The beans are grown locally on terraced fields in Yen Bai Province. |
Each team is made up of six members who participate in the competition to create Banh Day. |
The first part of the competition involves cooking rice. |
Competitors then prepare for rice pounding. |
Pounding rice represents the most important step toward making a delicious cake. |
Participants then mold their cakes. |
Each team selects a different colour for their respective cakes. |
A competitor represents their team as they present their cake to the judging panel. |
A number of folk games, such as Con ball throwing, also known as Nem Con locally, stick pushing, and stilt walking are held during the festival. |
Both locals and tourists take part in the folk games. |
A performance of the Khen panpipe by ethnic students excites crowds. |
The local administration plans to hold the festival annually in order to celebrate the New Year. |
VOV