As the Laba Festival arrives, a festive atmosphere envelops the city of Taiyuan in Shanxi Province. Residents eagerly line up at a century-old vinegar shop, clutching containers of all shapes and sizes to purchase freshly brewed vinegar—a cherished local tradition.
The queues stretch along the street, with families and individuals alike waiting patiently. Most customers buy at least 2.5 kilograms of the tangy condiment, a staple in Shanxi cuisine and a symbol of good fortune and health. The shop’s interior is filled with the rich aroma of aged vinegar, which flows from pipes into each customer’s container.
“It’s a tradition we look forward to every year,” says one resident. “The taste of this vinegar is unmatched, and it brings a special flavor to our Laba Festival dishes.”
The Laba Festival, falling on the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month, marks the beginning of preparations for the Lunar New Year. It is a time when families come together to enjoy Laba porridge and other festive foods, with vinegar playing a key role in many recipes.
Shanxi Province is renowned for its vinegar-making heritage, and the Laba Festival amplifies this cultural pride. The century-old store in Taiyuan not only sells vinegar but also serves as a living museum, preserving traditional brewing methods passed down through generations.
“Our vinegar is made using ancient techniques,” explains the shop owner. “We are proud to keep this tradition alive and share it with the community during the Laba Festival.”
For locals and visitors alike, participating in this annual ritual offers a taste of Taiyuan’s rich history and a connection to its enduring customs.
Reference(s):
Vinegar Fever: Laba Festival helps brew Shanxi's tangy tradition
cgtn.com
