Da Nang (VNA) - The forest ritual festival of the Co Tu ethnic community in Hung Son border commune of Da Nang city has become more than a spiritual ceremony expressing gratitude to nature. It also serves as a cultural commitment to preserving the ancient Po Mu forests that have sustained local communities for generations.
Held at the beginning of each year, the traditional "forest opening" ritual is one of the most significant spiritual and cultural practices of ethnic minority groups living in western Da Nang. Through offerings to the deities of the forests, mountains and rivers, local people express gratitude for nature's blessings while praying for favourable weather, abundant harvests and prosperity in the coming year.
The ceremony, also known as the forest thanksgiving festival, has been preserved by the Co Tu group over many generations and reflects their deep respect for the natural world and their belief in the harmonious relationship between humans and the environment.
Continuing this long-standing tradition, Hung Son border commune hosted the first Forest Thanksgiving Festival on April 4-5, 2026, at the Po Mu ecotourism village in Arang hamlet.
Village elder Hoih Mia said residents had long regarded the Po Mu forest as a shared asset that must be protected. According to him, many of the giant ancient trees are so familiar to villagers that they can identify each by its location, shape, and even by names given within the community.
He explained that the Co Tu people do not see Po Mu simply as a species of tree but as a sacred forest that safeguards water sources, prevents soil erosion, and protects their villages, forming the foundation of community life.
To ensure the festival remained faithful to its original traditions, local authorities spent months preparing the event by surveying the site and assigning responsibilities to each village so that every ritual could be conducted according to authentic cultural practices.
Chairman of the Hung Son Commune People's Committee Zoram Buon said preparations included restoring the communal guol house and recreating a series of traditional rituals, including erecting ceremonial poles, building worship shelters, and presenting offerings to the forest spirits.
Following the solemn ceremonies, Co Tu artisans dressed in traditional costumes performed the famous Tung Tung Da Da dance, vividly recreating the joyful atmosphere of a forest thanksgiving celebration. The combination of sacred rituals and lively cultural performances created a colourful cultural landscape amid the majestic Truong Son mountains.
Beyond its spiritual significance, the festival also offers visitors an opportunity to experience what organisers describe as a journey back to authenticity, inviting people to leave behind the bustle of urban life and reconnect with nature and indigenous culture.
From the afternoon of April 4, visitors could follow forest trails leading into the Po Mu Heritage Forest, where towering ancient trees and pristine landscapes provide a peaceful setting. The sound of rustling leaves, flowing streams, and birdsong offers a rare sense of tranquility and connection with the natural environment.
A visitor from central Quang Binh province said the most distinctive feature of the Hung Son Po Mu forest was its remarkable state of preservation, adding that the giant trees and untouched ecosystem enabled visitors to fully appreciate the value of nature.
As night falls over the mountains, Co Tu men and women guide visitors through traditional Tung Tung Da Da dances while introducing them to the rhythms of drums, gongs, and bronze percussion instruments that have accompanied community festivals for centuries.
Through the festival's diverse cultural activities, local authorities and the Co Tu community hope it would not only preserve invaluable traditional heritage but also create unique tourism products that can contribute to sustainable development in the future.
The integration of cultural preservation with eco-tourism and green tourism is seen as an effective way to improve livelihoods while promoting sustainable economic growth in remote mountainous areas.
With its sacred rituals, pristine natural scenery, and immersive cultural experiences, the Forest Thanksgiving Festival provides visitors with a rare opportunity to experience the authentic beauty of Vietnam's highland forests while highlighting the enduring bond between indigenous communities and the natural world they have long protected./.
