The 2026 Quỳnh Nhai Commune Culture, Sports and Tourism Week, themed “Quỳnh Nhai – The Da River Calls,” will take place over five days (February 23-27). This is a key cultural and tourism event organized on a large scale by the commune to preserve traditional culture, promote the tourism potential of the reservoir, and create a joyful and exciting atmosphere at the beginning of the new spring.

The event originated from solemn spiritual rituals, deeply reflecting the principle of "drinking water, remembering the source." It began with the offering of incense at the Nang Han Temple and Linh Son Thuy Tu Temple, expressing reverence and gratitude to the deities, and praying for a year of favorable weather, abundant harvests, and prosperity for the community.

Spiritual tourism area in Quynh Nhai commune.

This year, the traditional boat race is larger than in previous years. Besides the teams from 41 villages and sub-districts within the commune, the organizing committee has invited teams of athletes from localities with a shared riverine culture in communes within Son La, Dien Bien, and Lai Chau provinces to participate.

Mr. Dang Anh Dat, Director of the General Service Center of Quynh Nhai Commune, shared: "We have coordinated the review and preparation of infrastructure at the boat racing area. Rescue and emergency response plans, as well as boat control plans on the lake, have also been meticulously planned to ensure absolute safety for athletes and cheering tourists. Besides the boat race, one of the highlights of this year's event is the spectacular art program held on the evening of February 27th, elaborately and grandly staged with the participation of hundreds of actors and artists, combining modern music and folk elements, celebrating the beauty of the land and people of Northwest Vietnam."

Officials from the Quỳnh Nhai Commune General Services Center inspect the facilities at the boat racing dock area.

Focusing on propaganda work, the commune's General Service Center has decorated and renovated two sets of propaganda billboards; installed and replaced more than 150 red flags along main roads and alleyways; and hung 1,000 meters of new flag garlands and many banners across the main traffic routes.

Officials from the Quỳnh Nhai Commune General Service Center created a promotional video about the Quỳnh Nhai Commune Culture, Sports and Tourism Week 2026.

The event will feature many vibrant cultural and sporting activities. Particularly noteworthy are the reenactment of the Kin Pang Then ceremony and the hair-washing ritual, along with community cultural performances. These are intangible cultural heritage items deeply rooted in the beliefs of the White Thai people. Visitors can also immerse themselves in the lively atmosphere of the Open Pickleball Tournament, cross-country running, volleyball, or try their hand at traditional games such as tug-of-war, Tó Mák Lẹ, and Tung Còn. Unique competitions like fishing contests and singing competitions for the White-crested bulbul are also exciting experiences not to be missed.

Visiting Quynh Nhai during this time, tourists can also explore the Da River Fish Fair and enjoy unique cuisine at the culinary competition, featuring 20 teams from various agencies, schools, villages, sub-districts, restaurants, hotels, and neighboring communes. This will be an opportunity for visitors to savor dishes with the distinctive flavors of the Northwest mountains and the unique culinary culture of the reservoir area.

In the central area of ​​the commune, cultural spaces are being prepared with great urgency. The organizing committee has set up two booths showcasing cultural characteristics and exhibiting photographs about the traditions and life of the people of Quynh Nhai. The festive atmosphere permeates every alley and hamlet. In the villages and sub-districts, people are actively practicing performing arts and sports to participate in the competitions.

Ms. Thai Moc Linh, from sub-district 3, excitedly said: "In preparation for the festival, our performing arts group has been practicing Xoe dance and Then singing performances for many weeks now to participate in the community cultural performance. We also prepared our most beautiful costumes to wear during the spring festival, welcoming tourists to visit and experience the area."

Rehearsing for the cultural performance program at the opening night of the cultural week.

In addition, to cater to the sightseeing and shopping needs of tourists, this year's Quỳnh Nhai Commune Culture, Sports and Tourism Week features 30 booths displaying and introducing local products and OCOP (One Commune One Product) products. These booths showcase characteristic products from Mường Chiên, Mường Giôn, Mường Sại communes and other communes in Lai Châu province…

People in Quynh Nhai commune choose their favorite peach blossom branches to celebrate the Spring Festival and welcome the Lunar New Year.

Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Tu, Chairman of the People's Committee of Quynh Nhai commune, said: "To date, preparations are entering the final stage. The commune is directing units and businesses to develop experiential, spiritual, and ecological tourism tours and routes on the Son La hydroelectric reservoir, such as Uy Phong Bay, Heart Island, Da Giang Island, etc., to best serve the needs of tourists."

With thorough and systematic preparation and the enthusiastic participation of the people, the 2026 Quỳnh Nhai Commune Culture, Sports and Tourism Week promises to be an attractive destination, offering unforgettable experiences for tourists at the beginning of the Year of the Horse.

 

CTV Yen Vi