One of the unique features of Choong Market is that those who get hit by the most tomatoes are believed to be blessed with good fortune and prosperity for the year. As a result, the market usually has an abundance of ripe, red tomatoes for sale.
The tradition of the “tomato fight market” originates from an ancient tale. Long ago, a king and his army, while retreating from a losing battle against foreign invaders, found refuge in what is now Dong Hoang commune. The locals cleverly disguised themselves as merchants and set up a fake market to deceive the enemy. Weapons were hidden amongst piles of fruits and vegetables, and within the tents and stalls. Unsuspecting, the invaders arrived and were caught off guard when the king launched a counter-attack, ultimately leading to victory.
To commemorate this event, the people of the region hold the annual Choong Market (also known as the “fight market”) to pray for good fortune in the new year.
The market takes place on a spacious riverbank of the Hoang River, where the districts of Dong Son, Thieu Hoa, and Trieu Son meet. To facilitate easy access for attendees, local authorities construct a temporary bamboo bridge connecting Dong Son and Trieu Son districts just before the market day.
Year after year, people of all ages flock to the riverbank from early morning to “buy luck and sell misfortune.” Regardless of rain or shine, the crowd remains undeterred. The market starts early and, on some occasions, continues well into the late evening.
Anyone can become a target for tomato-throwing at the market, but young people, especially young women, tend to attract the most attention and tomatoes. Some even take refuge in tents to avoid the onslaught of tomatoes.
The tomatoes are usually crushed or halved to create a splash of juice when they hit their target. Despite the onslaught, most participants enter into the spirit of the event with great enthusiasm.
The Choong Market is at its busiest from 8 am to 12 pm. Besides the tomato-throwing tradition, visitors can also enjoy delicious local delicacies such as steamed rice rolls, sticky rice cakes, and gac rice crackers. They can also purchase seedlings and livestock. Among these, the gac rice crackers (also known as red rice crackers) are particularly popular, symbolizing good luck, prosperity, and success in business for the coming year, as well as blessings for future generations.
