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Long Tong Festival: A Vibrant Celebration of Agriculture and Culture Long Tong, or “going to the field,” is an annual agricultural festival of the Tay ethnic group, a vibrant community of over 1.6 million people residing in Vietnam’s northern mountain region. This unique festival is a celebration of their deep connection to the land and their rich cultural heritage. Held between the 1st and 15th days of the lunar new year, Long Tong is more than just a festival; it is a sacred ritual dedicated to the god of agriculture. Families and communities come together to seek blessings for bountiful crops, prosperity, and good health for the year ahead. The preparations for Long Tong are extensive and begin well before the new year. Each family in the village has a specific role, with the most crucial task being the preparation of the offering tray. This tray is a feast for the gods, including a boiled capon, pig head, grilled fish, and colorful sticky rice. The “con,” a small ball made from...

In her inaugural address on October 20, Mai Thi Hong Ngoc, Chairwoman of the VWA in Gyeonggi, emphasized the festival’s goal of fostering a deeper understanding of Vietnamese and Korean cultures among the citizens of both nations. Through a vibrant showcase of Ao dai, traditional musical performances, and folk games, the organizers aim to introduce and reconnect the Vietnamese diaspora with their rich cultural heritage, instilling a sense of pride and a stronger connection to their roots. Ngoc further highlighted the festival’s role in uniting the Vietnamese community, fostering solidarity, and enriching their cultural and spiritual lives. Ambassador Vu Ho acknowledged the growing presence of the Vietnamese community in the RoK and recognized the invaluable contributions of Vietnamese women in fostering stronger ties between the two nations. He expressed his desire for more cultural exchange initiatives to strengthen people-to-people connections. The event concluded with the organ...