Gau Tao Festival - Discover the Cultural Beauty of Sapa, Vietnam

H’Mong is the largest group of ethnic minorities in the northwest of Vietnam which has a rich spiritual life. The Mong people’s traditional culture has been well preserved with many valuable characteristics. Mentioning their typical festivals, it would be a miss if not mentioning Gau Tao festival which represents their tradition clearly. It reflects not only the practices of farming but also the spirituality, beliefs, and customs. So, if you have a chance to visit Bac Ha district of Sapa, Lao Cai province in the new year, don’t forget to attend this festival. It is a nice way to get to know hidden parts of a local ethnic minority group.

I. History of Gau Tao Festival

Gau Tao means “playing ground.” According to H’Mong folklore, if a married couple had been unable to conceive for many years, the husband would go to sacred hills to pray to the mountain gods for a son.

In return, he would promise to hold a small festival every three to five years, inviting relatives and acquaintances to share in their happiness and give thanks to the gods. When his wife eventually became pregnant and gave birth to their long-awaited child, the family would fulfill the promise by organizing the festival. This celebration is known as the “Gau Tao” festival.

The origins of this festival trace back to these child-praying rituals, which were traditionally held by specific families in H’Mong villages. However, only wealthy families could afford to organize the event due to the high costs involved.

Over time, as local authorities recognized the cultural and spiritual significance of the tradition, the festival was expanded and is now held regularly as a communal event. Its meaning has also evolved—besides praying for children, participants now seek blessings for good harvests, luck, health, and prosperity.

II. When is Gau Tao Festival Held?

Gau Tao festival is held from the 2nd to the 4th of January in the lunar calendar, depending on the age of the head of the family. 

III. The Role of Gau Tao Festival

As one of the oldest traditional festivals that have remained for centuries by H’Mong group, Gau Tao Festival plays an important role in the cultural life of this community group and surrounding villages. 

The H’Mong people believe if they wish to have good health and more children, they can go to a low hill called Gau Tao to pray God and their ancestors to get what they want. They also believe that the festival will represent the life of the breadwinner in the family.

The lower area of Gau Tao hill is considered to have bad luck in the past while higher areas represent prosperity and good luck in the future. Besides, on this occasion, H’Mong boys and girls have a chance to show off their talents and find their partners as well.

IV. Highlights of Gau Tao Festival

1. Preparation for Gau Tao Festival

Though the Gau Tao Festival happens in the first lunar month, preparations begin as early as November and continue until late December. Two key rituals include planting and cutting the “nêu” tree, also called the New Year tree. This bamboo tree is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. It is the festival’s symbol, representing holiness. Locals carefully select a straight, well-cut tree with no pests or damage.

Before cutting it down, they pray to the gods. The tree must not touch the ground and should fall facing east. Once cut, no one is allowed to step over it.

Before planting the “nêu” tree, a worshiper must sacrifice a chicken and pray to the mountain gods for permission to hold the festival. The tree acts as a ladder, carrying offerings to the gods. People hang an indigo strip, a string of money, and bundles of corn or rice on its trunk.

4.2. During Gau Tao Festival

The festival begins with a ritual ceremony led by the host and his helpers. The host offers wine to the owner, who then sings “siet” to explain the festival’s purpose. Next, he sings “say din se” (go find the tree) before cutting the selected bamboo. This ceremony lasts about 90 minutes.

Afterward, the festival comes alive with cultural activities like singing, dancing, wrestling, crossbow shooting, stick dancing, and top spinning. All participants must follow the event’s rules. The highlight is the “con” throwing game. Players try to throw a fabric-covered ball filled with cotton seeds and rice through a ring at the top of a 15-20 meter bamboo pole. The person on the other side attempts to catch it. If you attend the festival, don’t miss this game!

Young people showcase their talents in dance, music, and martial arts. Others cheer and applaud, adding to the lively atmosphere. Guests enjoy delicious food and drinks prepared by the host. When night falls, boys serenade girls with singing and flute or “khen” melodies.

The festival is also a time for young H’Mong men and women to meet and find potential partners. Here, they are free from daily responsibilities and can fully enjoy the moment. The best singers and dancers receive small gifts from the host at the festival’s end.

4.3. After the Festival

When the festival is over, the host, on behalf of the house owner, will express gratitude to the Earth, the Heaven, and the Gods before he gets off the “neu” tree, burns worship papers and sprays wine around. Also, the piece of the indigo strip is also taken off and tied on the house door. It has the meaning of being protected by God. About the “neu tree”, it will be used to make a bamboo mat. However, only a pair of selected boy and girl or a newly-wed couple can be asked to do this to wish for good children and prevent the evils.

Time goes by, Gau Tao has become the festival of not only the H’Mong villages but also ethnic minority communities. This age-old custom has attracted more and more local and foreign visitors to the region. So what are you waiting for? Don’t miss your chance to discover the beauty of this festival.