Blending ancestral rites with contagious joy, the Festival Long Tong, or “Descent to the Fields”, embodies the spirit of the Tay people in Ba Be. In the Year of the Fire Horse, it will take place from 25–27 February 2026 on the village festival grounds of Bó Lù, Ba Be commune.
When Earth meets Sky
At the heart of Ba Be National Park, where limestone cliffs drop into emerald waters, one of northern Vietnam’s liveliest events unfolds each year: the Festival Long Tong. More than a celebration, it’s an immersive glimpse into Tay culture, where spirituality and community meet.
A millenary agricultural tradition
Long Tong literally means “Descent to the Fields.” Rooted in an agrarian society, the festival marks the break with the old year and the welcome of spring’s renewal. It’s a collective prayer to the deities of the fields, mountains, and rivers — asking for good harvests, healthy livestock, prosperity, and communal peace.
► Learn more : The Tay of Ba Be
The program: from sacred to festive
The event divides traditionally into two parts: the Lễ (ceremonial) and the Hội (festive).
The ceremony: gratitude and rites
It begins with a solemn procession: each village brings an offering tray (five-colored sticky rice, boiled chicken, and traditional cakes like Bánh Chưng and Bánh Giầy). At the An Ma Temple, the shaman or respected elder performs rituals to thank the ancestors and officially launch the agricultural season.
The celebration: joy and living traditions
The festival then bursts into games and performances:
- Con throwing: a colorful cloth ball is tossed through a hoop atop a bamboo pole. Symbolizing the union of Yin and Yang, the act is believed to restore the flow of energy between sky and earth.
- Then singing, accompanied by the đàn tính lute: an UNESCO-recognized spiritual art that carries listeners into a poetic realm; singers are considered able to cross worlds.
- Water and land activities: canoe races on the lake, archery, wrestling, and sometimes ox-fighting energize the shores and village squares.
Contemporary impact: identity and sustainable development
Today Long Tong goes beyond local folklore: it supports sustainable tourism, boosts crafts and homestays, and encourages young Tay people to reclaim and transmit their heritage. Held within the national park, it also highlights the need to protect this unique ecosystem.
Insider tip
Taste the local farm products and visit the culinary demonstration stalls before you leave.
The Festival Long Tong offers a sacred and festive perspective on Ba Be National Park, where every gesture pays tribute to nature and ancestors.