The Ma-Coong Drum Beating Festival

Festival Time

Date: The night of the 16th day of the first lunar month every year

Duration: The festival lasts throughout the night until the main drum is completely broken.

Venue

Location: Caroòng 1 Village, Thuong Trach Commune, Bo Trach District, Quang Binh Province.

This is the long-standing residence of the Ma-Coong people, considered the "ancestral land" of the festival. The event takes place in the village center, where a spacious yard allows the whole community to participate.

Festival Activities

Ceremonial Part – Giang Worship Ritual

Time: Around 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM

Activities:

The village elder leads the sacred Giang Worship Ritual, standing before the offering tray, chanting prayers to the gods, and asking for a bountiful harvest, favorable weather, and good health.

Offerings: Traditional fermented rice wine (ruou can), a rooster, wild bamboo shoots, stream fish, banana flowers, and young rattan leaves – all natural gifts from the mountains and forests.

Shared Rice Wine Ceremony: The community gathers around large jars of fermented rice wine, symbolizing unity and respect for the gods.

Festive Part – Community Connection

Time: From 9:30 PM until dawn

Activities:

Opening Drumbeat: A young Ma-Coong man is chosen to strike the first drumbeat, marking the start of the festival.

Drum Beating Ritual: Villagers take turns pounding the drum with powerful strikes, showcasing their solidarity and faith in the gods. The drum continues to be played until it is broken.

Love and Matchmaking: Throughout the night, young men and women engage in conversations, build connections, and seek potential life partners. When the drum breaks, the festival concludes, but for many, it marks the beginning of new relationships and love stories.

Beyond the Festival

This journey is not just about experiencing the festival. You will also have the chance to:

Conquer Route 20 Quyet Thang, a historic wartime transportation route that played a vital role in the fight for national liberation and reunification.

Visit the Route 20 Memorial Shrine, paying tribute to fallen heroes.

Experience the majestic Truong Son mountain range, immersing yourself in the beauty of nature.

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