Fire dancing festival (fire ball) is a custom of Pa Then people, Ha Giang. It is usually held on October 16th of the lunar calendar when the harvest is finished. This is one of the most primitive and mysterious festivals on the rocky plateau. According to Ha Giang customs, this traditional festival is held for shamans to accept students and pass on their profession.

In the past, the participants of the fire dance had to be students of the shaman. But nowadays, when there are not many people pursuing this profession anymore, the young people in the village can also participate. The official ceremony starts at around 8pm, with the shaman and a neat offering tray prepared by the host. After a few initial procedures, the shaman’s students start jumping barefoot onto the embers of the fire. They rush in as if they are playing with the fire, under the cheers and encouragement of the guests. The festival will last about 1 hour, until the fire is completely extinguished.

This festival is one of the cultural characteristics that helps a lot in studying the tradition today. This custom and belief will still be preserved and practiced until there are no more people who want to follow the profession of worship.