Caobang Geopark

BANH CHUNG OF ETHNIC MINORITIES ON TET HOLIDAY IN CAO BANG

Non nuoc Cao Bang geopark, which has unique geological heritages of international significance, was designated by UNESCO as a UNESCO global geopark in April 2018. In addition to geological values, Non nuoc Cao Bang UGGp is a land of rich and diverse traditional culture. The cultural values were created from the daily activities and customs and habits of the indigenous ethnic minority groups living in Cao Bang such as Tay, Nung, Dao, Lo Lo, San Chi, etc.

TOWARDS THE ORIGION TRADITION ON THE QINGMING FESTIVAL IN CAO BANG

INTERESTING FEATURES OF NANG HAI (MOON’S MOTHER) FESTIVAL IN CHU LANG, KIM DONG COMMIME VILLAGE, THACH AN DISTRICT, CAO BANG

SPECIAL CUSTOMS OF NUNG ETHNIC MINORITY GROUP IN NON NUOC CAO BANG UGGp

RED COLOR BELIEF IN THE TRADITIONAL LUNAR NEW YEAR IN NON NUOC CAO BANG UGGP

According to the traditional belief, the red color demonstrates good luck and properous, with the bustling and holy atmosphere of traditional lunar new year the red color is visible everywhere.

LAND GOD OF ETHNIC MINORITY GROUP IN CAO BANG ON TRADITIONAL LUNAR NEW YEAR

Cao Bang UNESCO global geoaprk- Land of ethnic cultural identity

BAN GIOC TOURISM FESTIVAL 2019

The lunar July Full moon festival and the traditional custom “Pây Tai-visit wife’s parents” of Tay and Nung people in Non nuoc Cao Bang UGGp

One of the significant values of Non nuoc Cao Bang UGGp is cultural heritage. Tay and Nung people living in Non nuoc Cao Bang UGGp possess distinguished custom, which is of cultural identity and really human.

SOME SPRING FESTIVALS IN THE EASTERN ROUTE OF NON NUOC CAO BANG UGGP

Apart from geological, bio-diversity, and historical heritage, intangible heritages of Non nuoc Cao Bang UNESCO global geopark has made up particular and exception significance of a UNESCO global geopark, especially the Sung Phuc pagoda spring festival and Phao Hoa cracter spring festival in Quang Uyen district.

TRADIONAL COSTUMES OF TAY ETHNIC GROUP IN THE LUNAR NEW YEAR

Tay ethnic group take the lunar New Year into serious consideration. People can feel the atmosphere of the lunar New Year from the 25, and 26th December (lunar calendar), people who work far away from home, are commencing the back home departuring for family reunion. Families are busy preparing typical dishes such as stiky-rice pop mixed with cane juice sugar, Khẩu sli, sticky rice flour bar, cooked-sticky-riced mixed with sugar, etc, and they also clean and fix their houses, sweep the their house surrounding and the walking path. On the 27th and 28th, people would focus on preparing food for the New Year days. From early morning, families slaughter pig to prepare for the New Year. On 29th people, people are busy decorating their house, and the central space of their house, hang their red parallels, and arrange peach and plumb flowers, glue paper around their ancestor worship altar; and wrap Chung cake in the afternoon.

FOOD CULTURES OF TAY-NUNG ETHNIC GROUPS IN LUNAR NEW YEAR FESTIVAL

It has been widely known that, Tay and Nung ethnic groups in the geopark territory in particular, and Cao Bang in general consider lunar New Year festival is one of the most important festival in the year. This is the reason why Tay and Nung people prepare very carefully for this festival, and being understood of their food cultures also meaning a deep insight into their cultures.

CHƯNG CAKE AND DÀY CAKE IN THE TRADITIONAL FESTIVAL OF TAY ETHNIC GROUP

Chưng cake and Day cake, which are typical agricultural products linked to agricultural culture and traditional practices of Tay ethnic group in Cao Bang living in the Non nuoc Cao Bang UGGp, are usually present in traditional festivals.

THE VILLAGE OF TAY ETHNIC GROUP CEREBRATING LUNAR NEW YEAR

Tay is the one of the most populous ethnic group living in Non nuoc Cao Bang UGGp. Their main settelement area is near the rivers like Bang, Ky Cung, Cau, Gam and Chay, etc of Cao Bang, Lang Son, Bac Kan, Thai Nguyen, Tuyen Quang, Ha Giang, Lao Cai, and Yen Bai). They live in a big community or village with at least 6-9 household. This is the reason why other ethnic groups are influenced by tradition, practices and even language of Tay ethnic group when they join Tay community. In contrast, because of the cultural exchange with other ethnic groups, Tay ethnic groups are also impacted, backward practices were removed and traditional values are preserved and updated with new and proper practice of the mordern society, including the Lunar new year, which is also the main festival of in a year of Tay people.

A SPECIAL DISH- WHITE JELLY (LOCALLY KNOWN AS MAC PUP) IN NON NUOC CAO BANG GEOPARK

Apart from breaktaking natural landscapes, visitors to Cao bang are really amazed with special food culture and hospitality of local people. One of local dish that might leave a good impression on visitors’ mind is the White Jelly, locally known as Mac Pup jelly. A fress cup of White Jelly would help visitors cool down and refresh your body and mind.

TOMB SWEEPING FESTIVAL IN CAO BANG

Apart from biological and ecological value of international significance, Cao Bang in general and Non nuoc Cao Bang UNESCO global geopark is famous for its identical and distinguished cultural values. Cao Bang is home to more than 95% ethnic minority groups with their own traditions and practices. It is their identical feature which has helped shape a colorful and cultural diversity picture such as traditional folk songs of groups such as Then, Ha Leu, SLI, LUON, and different traditional festivals such as Long Tong, Fire crackers, Nang Hai, in particular the Tom Sweeping Festival of Nung An people in Phuc Sen Quang Uyen, Cao Bang.

Rock fencing – Distinct cultural feature of people in Phuc Sen, Quang Uyen

Coming to Non nuoc Cao Bang UNESCO global geopark, visitor would not only be able to enjoy the breathtaking landscapes, bio-diversity and ecological values of international significance, but they could experience the distinct cultural features and traditions of Non nuoc Cao Bang geopark residents. The trip to Phuc Sen commune, Quang Uyen district - the eastern route of Non nuoc Cao Bang geoaprk might be an exciting experience for visitors, since this area can offer vistors opportunities to discover the landscape beauty, traditional forging village of Nung An people, and what’s more, visitors might be amazed with rock fences in this area. It is popular and becomes a distinct cultural feature of Nung An people.

President Ho Chi Minh Temple at Pac Bo

Early Neolithic relics