Festival Tourism: Akha traditional Swing Festival

The Ministry of Hotels, Tourism and Culture is implementing the Festival Tourism in Myanmar to promote the customs of Ethinic peoples and to attract the visitors from home and abroad.

As part of the Festival Tourism, a ceremony of Akha Traditional collective Swing Festival and 30th Anniversary of Ur Pu Dei village was held in Monghsat township of Shan State(East) on 9th August with the attandance of Union Minister U Maung Myint. After opening the Concrete Square and road to mark the festival and anniversary, the Akha Ethnic Leader elaborated about the Swing Festival.

This was followed by the ceremonial riding of swing in line with the customs. The Union Minister and officials then unveiled the Stone Plaque, marking the 30th anniversary of the village. In his address, the Union Minister stressed the need to preserve the customs of each ethnic community including culture, food and languages.

He added that by promoting tourism, job opportunities and incomes will be increase for the locals, contributing to the socio-economic development and poverty reduction. As the Ministry is also promoting the Gastronomy Tourism, the Union Minister outlined the plans to celebrate Traditional Food Fair in Kengtaung or Tachileik in coming December or January.

He urged all ethnic people to cooperate in preserving the traditional customs and serve for the interest of the State and people. The ceremony continued with the speeches by the officials, and presentation on the brief history of Ur Pu Dei village. The Akha Ethnic Leader expressed words of thanks and presented the gifts, followed by the performance of Akha traditional songs and dances.

Next, the attendees planted the trees, commemorating the Swing Festival. Since Akha Traditional Collective Swing Festival is auspicious one for Akha ethnic people, all Akha tribes and locals participated in the event. The festival supports the unity among the ethnic people, preserving the tradition and promoting the Festival tourism.