The judging panel will score the food platters prepared by the competing teams.

This is one of the unique activities, rich in the cultural traditions of the ethnic groups in Northwest Vietnam, part of the ceremony to receive the Certificate of Recognition for the "Xip Xi Tet" ritual of the White Thai people in Quynh Nhai district.National Intangible Cultural Heritage.

As part of the welcoming ceremony, a competition showcasing traditional Tet (Lunar New Year) offerings in Quynh Nhai district featured 29 teams from various communes, agencies, and schools within the district.

Leaders of the Son La Provincial People's Committee presented the certificate recognizing the "Xip Xi Tet" ritual of the White Thai people in Quynh Nhai district as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage.

A feast for the occasion"Tet Xip Xi"The dishes include: Boiled duck, grilled chicken, smoked pork, grilled fish (pa pỉnh tộp), stream snails, rock moss, black olives, vegetable salad, bon soup, sour soup, khẩu cắm (sticky rice dyed in 5 or 7 colors), bánh chưng (Vietnamese rice cake)...

Dishes with distinctive spices such as mắc khén (a type of wild pepper) and chili peppers blend together, bringing the flavors of the Northwest region. The event attracted a large number of locals and tourists to visit and enjoy.

The feasts prepared by the competing teams were very unique, featuring dishes that reflected the distinct culinary traditions of the ethnic groups in Northwest Vietnam.

After a period of dossier preparation, on August 9, 2024, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism decided to recognize the "Xip Xi Tet" ritual of the White Thai people in Quynh Nhai and Phu Yen districts, Son La province, as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage.

"Tet Xip Xi" in Quynh Nhai district, Son La province, takes place annually on the 14th day of the 7th lunar month. It is an important day for the descendants of the White Thai people to express gratitude and remember their ancestors, and an occasion for adults to show special care and attention to the younger generation.

In the feast of the White Thai people of Quynh Nhai, duck meat is an indispensable dish.

"Xip Xi Tet"White Thai peopleQuynh Nhai also has significance as a time to summarize and celebrate the fruits of hard work during the first six months of the year. On this occasion, children are not required to herd buffalo or do housework, but can play freely and eat whatever they like.

What is special about the "Xip Xi Tet" festival is that there is always an offering tray to pray for good fortune for each individual, family, and clan in the village; to pray for the blessings of heaven and earth, for favorable rain and wind, and for the villagers to have abundant health to work.

This is also an occasion for the White Thai people to hold a ceremony praying to the gods and ancestors for the children to be healthy, eat well, grow quickly, and be free from illness. The offerings include: smoked duck, chicken, and pork, sausages, grilled fish (Pa pỉnh tộp), khẩu cắm salad (sticky rice dyed in 5 or 7 colors), and humpback rice cakes.

Along with black olives, moss, bamboo shoots, etc., the feast during the "Xip Xi Tet" of the White Thai people of Quynh Nhai also includes rock snails and crickets.

The "Xip Xi" Tet festival is usually incomplete without "nhua to pet" (duck meat). The White Thai people believe that ducks are closely associated with rice fields and streams, and offering duck meat is meant to ward off insects that harm the rice crops, and to carry away bad luck and misfortune.

After the offering ceremony, family members gather around the feast, wishing each other well. This is also an opportunity for the White Thai community to showcase their hospitality and culinary skills.

Phan Thao - Quoc Tuan