When the drums are beaten to open the festival, all the people gather around a big wood fire and drink alcohol from a large vase. Young men try to outdo each other by beating the drums as hard and fast as they can to break them. Other people join hands and dance around the fire.
Under the full moon and by the flickering fire, the Ma Coong people take turns beating the drums, drinking alcohol, dancing, and chanting “My God, we’re so happy!”
The sound of drums is a spiritual, magical sound, like the voice of the Ma Coong people in the depths of the forest, unaffected by wind, rain, and creatures. Village chief Dinh Xon said, “The festival prays for good fortune for all villagers. Everyone enjoys the festival. We must uphold our tradition and develop it for future generations.”
Peter, a Danish expert on cultural heritage and sustainable development in Vietnam, said, “This is the first time I’ve attended the drum-breaking festival. It’s fantastic. The custom represents the relationship between nature and humans. It’s important to preserve this festival for the cultural diversity of ethnic groups in Quang Binh province.”
Approximately 3,000 Ma Coong people live in 18 hamlets in Thuong Trach commune within the UNESCO-recognized Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.
In 2019, the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism recognized the Ma Coong drum-breaking festival as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage. The Department of Cultural Heritages has partnered with local authorities to train the community in preserving their heritage and has provided them with the necessary equipment and drums to practice the festival.
Nguyen Huu Hong, Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Bo Trach district, revealed, “We are dedicated to promoting the cultural values of the Ma Coong and the drum-breaking festival. The district has plans to restore the festival’s original characteristics.”
Dinh Du from Ca Roong 2 hamlet explains that the drum-breaking festival is also known as the night of love festival for unmarried people:
“The custom is to beat the drums until they are broken. The festival is an opportunity for boys and girls to socialize and potentially form romantic relationships. They may even end up getting married,” Dinh Du explained.
When the rooster crows and the sun rises, the drum-breaking festival and the night of love festival come to an end. The Ma Coong people begin a new year of production. Many couples end up getting married after the drum-breaking festival, including Vietnamese-Lao cross-border couples.
Painting contest held for buffaloes joining ploughing festival in Ha Nam
A buffalo painting contest for the Doi Son Tich Dien (ploughing) Festivalwas held on February 10, or the sixth day of the Lunar New Year in Doi Son commune, Duy Tien district, the northern province of Ha Nam.
Pho Hien folk cultural festival kicks off in Hung Yen
The Pho Hien Folk Cultural Festival opened in the northern province of Hung Yen on April 21.
Sam Son sea festival slated for April 21
The 2018 sea festival of Sam Son city of the north central coastal province of Thanh Hoa will take place on April 21, heard a press conference held in the city on April 12.
Ha Long Carnival opens in Quang Ninh
The Ha Long Carnival, a highlight of the Ha Long – Quang Ninh tourism week 2019, opened in Bai Chay and Hon Gai tourism area in the northern province of Quang Ninh on April 28.
Tam Chuc Pagoda – Ancient beauty amidst majestic scenery
Covering 5,100 ha, Tam Chuc complex is a perfect combination of ancient beauty and the mighty of the immense mountain.
