(sonla.gov.vn) Sop Cop is a particularly disadvantaged commune in Son La province. For many years, the people here have been accustomed to self-sufficient production, with goods mainly serving family needs. The consumption of agricultural products is limited, and therefore the people's income is unstable. Based on this reality, the People's Committee of Sop Cop commune organized a highland market in Muong Va village, with the goal of creating a trading space, promoting commodity production, gradually improving the lives of the people, and simultaneously preserving and promoting the cultural identity of ethnic groups.
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Overview of the opening ceremony of the Spring Festival Market in Sop Cop commune, a highland area.
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Delegates had the opportunity to experience and visit the stalls at the market.
The Spring Festival in the Highlands was held in Muong Va village on a commune-wide scale, comprising 20 stalls: 16 stalls from 16 businesses, cooperatives, households, and individuals in Sop Cop commune; one stall from Unit 326; and one stall each from Pung Banh, Muong Lan, and Muong Leo communes. The goods on display included OCOP products such as Muong Va sticky rice, Bien Cuong smoked buffalo meat, and other local specialties and products: corn, beans, peanuts, vegetables, fruits, bamboo shoots, coffee, medicinal herbs, and forest honey....Traditional handicrafts and household goods produced by the people themselves: brocade fabrics… and some essential items serving the daily needs of the people.
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Cultural performances at the Spring Festival night in Sop Cop commune.
In particular, before the opening day of the Muong Va Highland Spring Fair, on the night of January 24th, the People's Committee of the commune organized a cultural exchange night with the participation of 5 performing arts groups from the villages of Muong Va, Poi Lanh, Hoc Mot, Na Khoang, and Cap Ven, presenting 15 musical and dance performances showcasing the rich cultural identity of the ethnic groups, attracting a large number of locals and tourists.
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Stick pushing competition at the market.
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Tug-of-war competition at the market.
On the day of the Market Fair, the organizers also held various activities.sportTug-of-war and blindfolded duck catching attracted large crowds of people who came to watch and cheer.
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The delegates and a large crowd of people joined in the Xoe dance.
Integrating folk cultural, artistic, and sporting activities into the highland market brings out the unique beauty and characteristics of each ethnic group; fostering a sense of solidarity and closeness among them, and serving as a gathering place for the spiritual values of the people.
Lo An - Vi Thom (Collaborator)