3rd San Chay Ethnic Culture Festival held in Ba Che
The 3rd San Chay Ethnic Culture Festival took place on December 20-21 in Ba Che district’s Thanh Son commune with a variety of attractive cultural and sports activities.
The San Chay Ethnic Culture Festival comprised many attractive activities such as the re-enactment of the harvest ritual, the traditional wedding of the San Chay people, the performance of Banh Giay making practices, Cooc Mo cake wrapping, culinary contest, tug of war, long throw, stick push, air volleyball, art performance, etc.
The San Chay ethnic group, also known as Cao Lan or San Chi, is one of the 54 recognized ethnic groups in Vietnam. They are known for their unique cultural identity, rich traditions, and lifestyle that has been preserved for generations. In Ba Che district, Quang Ninh province, the San Chay people form a vibrant part of the local community.
The San Chay ethnic group in Ba Che district includes two groups: Cao Lan and San Chi. This is the fourth largest ethnic group in the total of 14 ethnic groups of people living in the district.
The San Chay people have distinct traditional costumes, often decorated with embroidery and patterns inspired by nature. Women’s attire typically includes a long tunic with colorful patterns, complemented by headscarves and silver jewelry.
They maintain traditional customs such as folk singing (e.g., Sình ca), which is an important cultural expression, often performed during festivals or communal gatherings. They also celebrate various festivals throughout the year, many of which are tied to agricultural cycles and ancestral worship.
Agriculture is the primary occupation, with the San Chay cultivating rice, corn, and other crops in terraced fields. They also engage in animal husbandry and traditional handicrafts.
The government and local authorities in Quang Ninh province have implemented programs to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of the San Chay people. This includes organizing cultural festivals, supporting traditional handicrafts, and encouraging eco-tourism to showcase their way of life.
