Fire dancing festival of Red Dzao people in Sapa
The fire dancing and "coal bathing" festival, held in
February 2025 in the Ban May area at the foot of Fansipan
mountain, will recreate the unique cultural and spiritual
activities of the Red Dao people.
Put Tong, which means "coal bath" in Dao language, is one of the
most sacred rituals in the ancestor worship of the Red Dao
people.
The festival is meant to ward off bad luck, pray for good luck,
health, favorable weather and peace in the new year. At the same
time, it is also a day to pray for the deceased and for the
living.
On this occasion, boys and girls put on colorful traditional
costumes and gather to celebrate, creating an energetic and
imbued space with national identity.
When visiting Fansipan mountain, visitors will have the
opportunity to witness the 11-step ritual, performed by a priest
and Red Dao artisans.
Participants dance to the music and praise the gods, expressing
their utmost respect for the gods and ancestors. The dances are
constantly interwoven and intense, making visitors feel the
vibrations in the festival atmosphere.
Another unique experience not to be missed at the Put Tong
festival is the "coal bath" ritual of the Red Dao men. The
ritual begins when the Shaman performs a ceremony to pray to the
gods of heaven, earth, mountains, and rivers to protect the
participants.
Then, the fire is lit, when the embers burn fiercely, the young
men in the village will join in the dance, jumping on the fire
to the urging sound of drums and gongs, creating a powerful and
dramatic performance.
This ritual is not only a symbol of purification, but also shows
belief in the power of the gods, helping people overcome
difficulties and receive peace and luck in the new year.
This year’s Put Tong Festival is even more special as Sun World
Fansipan Legend tourist area invites artisans to May village to
recreate a traditional wedding ceremony of the Red Dao people.
Visitors will be immersed in the atmosphere of a traditional
wedding, enjoying dances and poetic love songs.
Early spring is also the time for visitors to travel to Fansipan
to conquer the peak and admire the complex of 12 tallest
spiritual structures in Vietnam.
Clasping hands under the Great Amitabha Buddha Statue, praying
for a peaceful new year, or admiring the compassionate Quan Am
Bo Tat Statue standing tall among the vast clouds and mountains,
or walking on the La Han path, where the shadows of hundreds of
years old rhododendron trees create a serene space, visitors
will feel the peace and gentleness spreading in their souls.
Comprehensive guide about how to
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