Often playfully referred to as the “tomato-throwing market,” Cho Chuong has taken place for hundreds of years, becoming a distinctive folk cultural feature of Thanh land.

According to village elders, the market is linked to a legend about an ancient battle. After defeating invaders, villagers celebrated by throwing soil and stones at one another to drive away evil and pray for peace in the new year. Over time, hard objects were replaced with ripe tomatoes to avoid injuries, forming the lively yet safe tradition seen today.

From early morning, streams of people flocked to the market, carrying bags filled with plump red tomatoes. The wide riverside ground along the Hoang River quickly turned into a giant playground. At the sound of cheers, tomatoes soared into the air, bursting in laughter and bright splashes of red.

Groups of young people stood ready with bags of tomatoes in hand, aiming playfully at those in front of them. Some participants were soon covered head to toe in crushed fruit, their clothes stained red but their faces lit up with delight.

Le Van Thanh, a resident of Dong Son district, said he attends Cho Chuong every year with friends. “We don’t come here for buying and selling. We come to have fun and throw tomatoes for good luck. The more I get hit, the more I believe I will have a lucky year,” he said with a laugh.

As noon approached, the festive atmosphere grew even more animated. From adults to children, everyone eagerly joined in. Many deliberately wore thin raincoats or brought spare clothes to change after being “dyed red” by flying tomatoes. Even when struck repeatedly, no one seemed upset; instead, each splatter was taken as a cheerful new year blessing.

Nguyen Thi Hoa, a local vendor, shared that she prepares several quintals of tomatoes each year for sale, sometimes selling out in just one morning. “Buyers don’t bargain much. Everyone wants tomatoes to join the fun,” she said.

At Cho Chuong, tomatoes are by far the best-selling item. After hours of throwing, crushed fruit litters the ground, turning the riverside field into a sea of red.

According to folk belief, the red color of tomatoes symbolizes luck and prosperity. Throwing tomatoes at one another represents casting away misfortune from the old year and welcoming a peaceful new year. Once the exuberant “throwing” subsides, the gathering returns to the true meaning of a rural market - trading agricultural produce and exchanging local specialties.

In recent years, authorities in Dong Son ward have strengthened security and environmental sanitation measures, while deploying personnel to guide participants to ensure the festival takes place safely. Visitors are encouraged to use soft, ripe tomatoes and refrain from throwing hard or dangerous objects.

Le Duong