For generations, the living habits of the Thai people have been closely linked to the rhythm of rowing on the Da River. The swallow-tail boat racing festival originated from the process of working in the environment to earn a living on the river of the Thai people, and is also associated with the belief of praying for good harvests and rain of the Thai people in conquering and controlling rapids and fierce waves on the Da River.

The traditional swallow-tail boat racing festival is held on the first day of the year to clear the river and canals with the wish to pray for favorable weather.

The traditional swallow-tail boat racing festival of the Thai people in Muong Lay was successfully restored by the local government and held for the first time in 2015. Since then, the swallow-tail boat racing festival has been held at the beginning of the year, becoming a sport and entertainment activity for the people.

Swallow-tail boat racing festival - imbued with ancient Thai culture in Muong Lay photo 1
The 7th swallow-tail boat race in 2021 has 6 teams participating with a 1km race track along the length of Son La hydroelectric reservoir (in Muong Lay town, Dien Bien province). (Photo: Xuan Tien/VNA)
Through the festival, Thai people and other ethnic communities living in the area are more optimistic, love life more, and village solidarity is stronger. This is also an opportunity for people to raise awareness in preserving and promoting ethnic identity.

According to village elders in Song Da and Lay Nua wards, to participate in building racing boats, only those with good skills are selected.

The members who directly participate in the race are men and young people with good health who are carefully selected. Even the form and decorative patterns on each racing boat are created according to the prototypes of village elders from families with a tradition of fishing.

The racing teams have to practice, train, and strengthen their health a month in advance. From early morning on the opening day of the festival, streams of locals and tourists from all over have flocked to the area where the rituals and ceremonies take place.

Thousands of people from the Thai, Mong, Dao, Hoa, Tay ethnic communities... and tourists from all over also stand along both sides of the town's lake to cheer on the racing teams.

At the beginning of the swallow-tail boat racing festival, shamans, artisans, village elders, and village chiefs will conduct rituals, perform the "Te ta" ceremony to worship the river god, pray for favorable weather, good crops, and a peaceful life.

On the shore, a large offering tray with full offerings (pigs, chickens), sacrificial objects (sticky rice, incense, flowers, fruits, rice wine, etc.) is prepared.

The shaman, two assistants and 12 young women in traditional costumes begin to worship and pray.

The process of performing these rituals lasts for hours. The content is deeply humanistic, expressing the deep gratitude of the people towards the gods (God of Rivers, God of Earth, God of Heaven, etc.).