The Forest Thanksgiving Opening Festival 2026, taking place from April 4 to 5, 2026, at the Pơmu Heritage Forest Eco-tourism Village, Hùng Sơn Commune, Da Nang City, is not only a ceremony to honor “Mother Forest” but also an invitation to embark on a journey back to yourself, to listen to your inner rhythm, and to touch the primal values within the unique cultural space of the Co Tu people.
Imagine each step along the verdant trails of the Pơmu Heritage Forest, listening to the babbling streams, the resonant calls of forest birds, and breathing in the scent of leaves and damp earth in its most pristine form. This is the land of the Co Tu community, the guardians of the forest, where every tree, every stream, every sound tells a story of reverence and gratitude for nature. In this space, you can experience intimate moments within the forest, sensing the pulse of nature, of the land and sky, and attuning to the heartbeat of your own being, harmonizing with the local rhythm of life.
As the western slopes of Da Nang don a fresh green coat, signaling a new beginning, the Pơmu Heritage Forest awakens with birdsong and the fragrant breeze of forest leaves. The Forest Thanksgiving Opening Festival 2026 is not only a cultural event but also an experiential journey – Return to Origins – Touching the Pristine – inviting visitors to step away from artificial noise, reconnect with raw emotions rich in identity, and forge a deep connection with nature, heritage, and local life.
The festival is also an opportunity for the Co Tu people to express gratitude to “Mother Forest,” restore and preserve traditional cultural values, strengthen community bonds, and inspire ecological and green tourism, contributing to sustainable economic development. With the subtle rhythm of sacred rituals, pristine natural spaces, and firsthand experiences of local life, the festival offers visitors a chance to touch the original beauty of the forest and Co Tu culture, savor the most essential values of life, and truly return to themselves.
Touching the Primal Rhythm of the Forest
On April 4, 2026, from 09:00 to 11:00, the Pơmu Heritage Forest eco-village becomes serene yet full of life as village elders and local residents prepare the ceremonial houses, erect ritual poles, and decorate the festival space. Visitors can follow forest trails, hear the rustle of leaves underfoot, breathe in the scents of plants and herbs, feel the rhythm of nature, and observe meticulous preparations in progress. This is the moment to touch the pristine beauty of the forest, immerse yourself in the slow pace and spirit of respect for nature upheld by the Co Tu people.
In the afternoon, from 13:30 to 17:00, visitors embark on a journey through the Pơmu Heritage Forest, where ancient Pơmu trees stand tall and the forest’s slow, deliberate rhythm seems to ease all worldly worries. Walking amidst the forest, you touch the soil, touch the trees, listen to birdsong and babbling streams, and sense lands that have preserved nature’s original rhythm. At the same time, you gain a deeper understanding of the Co Tu’s unique beliefs – the intimate connection between people, community, and land. Here, heart and senses align with nature, rediscovering balance and primal serenity.
At night, at 23:30, cultural exchanges, performances, and traditional ly-hat ly songs echo through the forest. Visitors are invited to participate, learn the Tân tung – Da dắ dance steps, try drumming, gong playing, and the thanh la. Each rhythm and song narrates a story of daily life, beliefs, and the Co Tu community’s gratitude to the forest, allowing visitors to touch a unique, pristine cultural identity and feel the pulse of the local community.
Immersing in Sacred Rituals
On April 5, 2026, from 08:00 to 09:00, visitors follow the village elders to the Pơmu ceremonial house, 800 meters from the village, to witness the Buffalo Sacrifice Ceremony – the central ritual of the festival. Buffaloes, goats, pigs, chickens, and other offerings are prepared according to traditional customs. Each ritual step is performed meticulously, creating a sacred yet approachable atmosphere. As the gongs, drums, and thanh la resonate, visitors experience the strong connection between the community and the mountains and forests, where every action is a heartfelt expression of gratitude to nature.
In these moments, you touch the breath of nature, feel the serenity and healing energy of the forest, immerse in the flow of local culture, and replenish your soul’s energy. Every ritual, every ly-hat ly, every step along the forest path is a journey back to raw emotions, seeking authenticity, and forming a deep connection with the land and sky.
Unmissable Experiences
The Forest Thanksgiving Opening Festival is not just a ceremony but a journey of sensory and spiritual exploration. Visitors can:
- Immerse themselves in the slow rhythm of eco-village life, listening to waterfalls and streams, inhaling the fragrance of forest herbs, and experiencing stillness.
- Participate in cultural exchanges, learn Tân tung – Da dắ dance, try drumming and gongs, and join in ly-hat ly songs.
- Stroll along Pơmu forest trails, touch ancient trees, hear stories about forest stewardship, and experience the pristine environment safely and conveniently.
- Savor simple yet culturally rich local dishes, connecting taste with nature, heritage, and the people of Quang region.
Each experience is thoughtfully designed for visitors to step away from superficial values, rediscover authenticity, the primal, and the most essential qualities of life, where Da Nang – with its nature, heritage, and cultural life – guides meaningful and unforgettable moments.
DA NANG TOURISM PROMOTION CENTER
