An Thai Communal House Festival

Every springtime, on the right bank of the Lo River, the land of An Thai comes alive with vibrant flags and lively spring songs. The An Thai Communal House worships mountain gods and the Hung Kings. The main festival day is on the 1st day of the first lunar month, when villagers hold a grand celebration that includes the important and unique ritual of ceremonial singing, commonly known as Xoan singing. This ritual is not only a vital tradition of An Thai village but is also found in many other villages throughout the midland region of Phu Tho.

The An Thai village festival is captivating because it encompasses many elements of folk art — literature, singing, music, and visual arts — all combining to create a unique Xoan singing performance. The imagery in Xoan singing is simple and rustic, yet it expresses great aspirations and holds special significance in the spiritual life of the local people.