Over 2,000 people will join a xòe dance performance of the Thái ethnic people in Yên Bái Province this September. — VNA/VNS Photo Thế Duyệt

YÊN BÁI – Over 2,000 people will join a xòe dance performance of the Thái ethnic people in the northern mountainous province of Yên Bái in September, in celebration of the dance being recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The provincial People’s Committee will receive a UNESCO certificate formally recognising the art of xòe Thái dancing as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, which will also begin the Mường Lò Culture and Tourism Week and the Mù Cang Chải Terraced Field Festival, at a ceremony on September 24 in Nghĩa Lộ Town.

The events are expected to expand tourism development cooperation between Yên Bái, northwestern localities and HCM City.

They will also contribute to promoting tangible and intangible cultural heritages, special historical values and the culture of ethnic groups in the Mường Lò region as well as unique tourism products of Yên Bái, attracting domestic and international tourists to the locality towards fostering socio-economic development.

Within the framework of the events, a number of activities will be organised, including a tourist photo exhibition, a fair featuring products meeting the criteria of the One Commune, One Product (OCOP) programme, and an art performance.

From September to December this year, Yên Bái will also host a series of activities, including a bicycle race in Nghĩa Lộ Town, a paragliding festival 'flying over the ripe rice season' in Mù Cang Chải, and a tour programme to explore Mù Cang Chải's terraced fields by helicopter.

The xòe dance art was recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity on December 15, 2021.

Xòe dancing plays a significant role in the daily life of Thái ethnic communities in the northwest of Việt Nam. — VNA/VNS Photo Điêu Chính Tới

Xòe is a unique type of traditional dance that plays a significant role in the daily lives of Thái ethnic communities in northwestern Việt Nam, especially in the provinces of Lai Châu, Biện Biên, Sơn La and Yên Bái. It is performed at various community activities from festivals to funeral rituals.

Xòe dance has become a symbol of the hospitality of the Thái people and an important cultural imprint of the community in the northwestern mountainous region. VNS