Nestled in the heart of Thanh Hoa province lies a unique market, the Nhi Son Market, which exclusively sells specialty products and forest specialties, a source of pride for the locals. Spanning an area of approximately 3,000 square meters along National Highway 15C, the market first opened its doors in 2016, coinciding with the Independence Day celebrations of the Mong ethnic minority (September 2) and has since been held regularly on the 15th of every month.
Depending on the season, the local Mong and Thai villagers bring their harvest of plums, peaches, bamboo shoots, wild yam, and even insect wings to trade at the market.
Beyond being a hub for exchanging goods, the Nhi Son Market serves as a cultural gathering for the highland ethnic minorities to meet, socialize, and indulge in traditional delicacies like corn wine and ‘thang co’ (a traditional stew made with horse or beef meat, combined with herbs and forest leaves).
The evening before the market day, trucks laden with knives, hoes, and household goods from the lowlands arrive at Nhi Son, gearing up for the upcoming market. As the market draws to a close, these vehicles are loaded with highland produce, carrying the essence of the mountains back to the city.
The vibrant atmosphere of the market is palpable along the roads leading to it. Ethnic men play the flute, filling the air with cheerful melodies, while Mong and Thai women don their vibrant traditional attire, flashing bright smiles. Children sleep peacefully on their mothers’ backs, undisturbed by the bustling surroundings.
Markets like Nhi Son hold a deeper significance beyond commerce; they serve as a gathering place for villagers after a hard day’s work in the fields, a place to share joys and sorrows and foster community bonds. When people talk about Nhi Son Market, they speak of its warmth and the opportunity to delve into the unique culture of the region and its people.
Visitors to the market should not miss the chance to indulge in local specialties like the fragrant Pù Toong corn wine, sticky rice cooked in bamboo tubes, and the traditional ‘thang co’ stew of the Mong people. A hearty bowl of ‘thang co’ paired with a glass of corn or apple wine is an unforgettable culinary experience.
Equally captivating are the colorful brocade stalls, showcasing intricately patterned skirts, scarves, clothing, and bags crafted by the skilled hands of highland women, adding to the market’s allure.
The market buzzes with activity from the early morning till the late afternoon. As the day draws to a close, shoppers return to their villages with laughter and the scent of ‘thang co’ and corn wine lingering in the air. The Mong women, with their distinctive carrying poles, head home with their poles laden with purchases after a busy day of trading.
The Mong flute, with its plaintive and soulful melodies, is an integral part of the Nhi Son Love Market and other festivals in the region. It serves as a bridge, connecting young men and women, fostering love and friendship. So, whenever I go to the market, I bring my flute and play it as I walk, inviting others to join me on the journey to the market, and the melodies float through the mountain air, mingling with the drifting clouds.
The Nhi Son Love Market is not just about trading goods; it is a celebration of intercultural friendship and a showcase of the cultural richness of the ethnic minorities who call these mountainous regions home.
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