The traditional ritual is held from the second to fifth day of the first lunar month.

For the Red Dao, fire not only represents an image of cosiness and a successful harvest but is also a means of avoiding demons and disease, via a prayer ceremony. The ceremony lasts for several hours, with a number of shamans worshipping the Fire God for luck, happiness, health, and peace. Young Red Dao men dance in a coal pile without fear and come away unscathed. They also kick up the coal pile to startle those watching.

The fire dance is only for men who are strong, skilled, and agile, and each usually dances for a few minutes. The fire dance festival is not only a unique cultural activity but also a wild and mysterious cultural practice in need of research and conservation./. VNA

Music in wedding ritual of Red Dao in Lao Cai province

For the Red Dao, a ceremonial music band is an important part of happy events such as wedding ceremonies. The cheerful sound of clarinets and drums expresses the joy of the bride, bridegroom, and their guests.

Dao language and culture live on

The ethnic Dao group in the northern province of Tuyen Quang are particularly proud of one local old man, who they regard as a kind-hearted teacher handing down the ancient characters of their language as well as their traditional cultural identity.