Contributing to the vibrant atmosphere of the 2026 Dak Lak Durian Festival, ethnic communities province-wide brought distinctive cultural expressions that added depth to the festival.

Demonstrating the can wine fermentation process at the M’nong Can Wine Festival beside Lak Lake in Lien Son Lak Commune.

The Ede ceremony for abundance in Ea Knuec commune embodies a simple yet profound aspiration for a peaceful life, bountiful harvests, prosperous families and community solidarity. The ritual is conducted in a strongly communal setting, where carefully prepared offerings are accompanied by the resonant gong sounds, creating a bond among people, their community, the earth combined with the sky.

Reviving the ceremony for abundance as part of the Durian Festival provided an additional opportunity to bring Ede traditional culture closer to visitors.

“Through a ritual deeply rooted in the spiritual life of the Ede community, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the cultural values shaped by the community’s close relationship with the land and nature. The ceremony for abundance therefore also creates a natural connection with the story behind the durian festival,” said village elder Y Blieh Ayun, who conducted the ritual.

Another impressive cultural highlight of the 2026 Dak Lak Durian Festival was the live-action show “Memories of the Longhouse”, which offered a glimpse into the everyday cultural life of Ede villages. Familiar stories were retold through visual imagery, sound and the participation of cultural practitioners. From longhouse architecture, traditional costumes, music along with gong performances to community activities, visitors had the opportunity to gain a vivid picture of the local cultural space.

Village elder Y Blieh Ayun conducting the Ede ceremony for abundance.

Concurrently, the M’nong Can Wine Festival beside Lak Lake in Lien Son Lak Commune, the cultural expressions from the Bru - Van Kieu people in Ea Phe commune, alongside cultural and arts programmes in Krong Pac, Krong Buk, Krong Nang together with other communes, further enriched the festival. Community arts performances, exchanges and other cultural activities created a welcoming atmosphere, with local residents serving both as participants alongside as cultural practitioners showcasing their own heritage.

Ms. Nguyen Thuy Phuong Hieu, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said: “From the stage to community spaces, from elderly artisans to young people, culture is present in many different forms. This is also a way for the festival not only to attract visitors with impressive activities, but also to create opportunities for communities to tell their own stories about their homeland”.

The durian festival may begin with a fruit, yet its lasting appeal lies not only in the agricultural produce itself. It is also a story about the land, its people and the cultural values that have evolved alongside local communities over time.

Translated by KHUONG THAO