In Vietnam's northern Tuyen Quang province, members of the Pa Then ethnic group take part in a traditional male fire dancing ritual which they believe can help exorcise demons and bring good harvests. Barefoot and in a trance, the participants run towards a bonfire of hot coals, as spectators cheer from the sidelines. The Pa Then are a community of some 8,300 people, and the fire dance ritual dates back generations. Only men may take part. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES ARRANGED IN SEQUENCES