Lao Cai (VNS/VNA) - Music, horse racing andfood will all be featured at the Bac Ha Winter Festival from November 20-22 as thenorthern mountainous province of Lao Cai attempts to attract tourists back tothe district.
"We will be holding horse races in Na Hoi communeat the stadium in Bac Ha district," said Hoang Van Khoa, vice chairmanof the district's People's Committee.
Na Hoi is home to the famous stables that bred the winner ofthe annual Bac Ha Horse Racing Festival held in May this year.
Adding to the race, a food festival will take place withcooks vying for the best "Bac Ha Food Tray", a chance to highlightlocal delicacies from the mountainous district.
The event will also include the ethnic Mong Panpipe Festivalfor the first time.
Bac Ha is home to 14ethnic groups. The Mong account for 47 percent of the 62,000 peoplewho live in the district, and they mainly live on the mountainsides makinga living from growing maize and rice on the rocky cliff ledges.
During French colonial times, Lord Hoang A Tuong of the Mong inBac Ha built a French-styled mansion in the town. Today, it is a touristdestination.
Other activities will include a street parade, nightmarket, flower valley and homestay tours.
The festival is part of the district's People's Committee'sefforts to attract visitors after the COVID-19 pandemic, whichcut off all international visitors earlier this year. /.