Early on September 2, H’Mong people from Co Ma mountain commune in Son La and neighboring communes flock to the commune center to join a highland market which is held to mark National Day.
Early on September 2, H’Mong people from Co Ma mountain commune in Son La and neighboring communes flock to the commune center to join a highland market which is held to mark National Day.
The roads leading to the center of Co Ma Commune are busier than usual.
The roads leading to the center of Co Ma Commune are busier than usual.
The colorful traditional costumes of the H’Mong people add vibrancy to the mountain landscape on Independence Day.
The colorful traditional costumes of the H’Mong people add vibrancy to the mountain landscape on Independence Day.
Some come to the market to shop, while others bring farm produce and goods to sell.
Some come to the market to shop, while others bring farm produce and goods to sell.
Others come simply to meet friends.
Others come simply to meet friends.
For some, it is simply a chance to enjoy a bowl of noodle, have an ice cream, take a few photos, and then head back to their villages together.
For some, it is simply a chance to enjoy a bowl of noodle, have an ice cream, take a few photos, and then head back to their villages together.
Amid the lively crowds, many young couples dressed in traditional costumes make their way to the market.
Amid the lively crowds, many young couples dressed in traditional costumes make their way to the market.
For young people, the celebration is also an opportunity to meet, take photos, and capture beautiful moments of the festive day.
For young people, the celebration is also an opportunity to meet, take photos, and capture beautiful moments of the festive day.

Local people join a traditional sticky rice cake pounding contest, play folk games, and take part in cultural performances.
Local people join a traditional sticky rice cake pounding contest, play folk games, and take part in cultural performances.

According to H’Mong people in Co Ma Commune, Independence Day is a special celebration for their community. Known as “Chua Li” in the H’Mong language, it takes place in September, when upland rice fields begin to enter the harvest season and ears of corn gradually turn golden. It is a time for local people to put aside their farm work and come together to celebrate and meet friends.
According to H’Mong people in Co Ma Commune, Independence Day is a special celebration for their community. Known as “Chua Li” in the H’Mong language, it takes place in September, when upland rice fields begin to enter the harvest season and ears of corn gradually turn golden. It is a time for local people to put aside their farm work and come together to celebrate and meet friends.
For ethnic minority people in the mountainous areas of Son La, Independence Day is more than just a time for entertainment and festivities. It also holds deep significance in their spiritual life.
For ethnic minority people in the mountainous areas of Son La, Independence Day is more than just a time for entertainment and festivities. It also holds deep significance in their spiritual life.
Amid the mountains and forests of Son La, the vibrant colors of traditional costumes and the smiles of local people on National Day create a festive atmosphere that is both joyful and deeply rooted in ethnic cultural identity.
Amid the mountains and forests of Son La, the vibrant colors of traditional costumes and the smiles of local people on National Day create a festive atmosphere that is both joyful and deeply rooted in ethnic cultural identity.