Various colourful activities showcasing the rich traditional cultures of Việt Nam's 54 ethnic groups are set to take place at the Việt Nam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism, in celebration of the National Independence Day. Photo langvanhoavietnam.vn

HÀ NỘI – The Việt Nam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism will come alive this September with captivating activities in celebration of the upcoming National Independence Day.

Visitors to the village will have the opportunity to immerse in the rich culture of Việt Nam's 54 ethnic groups through a programme themed Vui Tết Độc Lập (Happy Independence Day) to take place from September 1 to 4 to celebrate the 78th anniversary of the National Independence Day (September 2, 1945-2023).

The event promises a dazzling showcase of the rich traditional cultures through highland market space, enchanting folk dances, regional cuisines and other festive performances. All activities are aimed at fostering the enrichment of ethnic minorities’ culture and the promotion of local tourism.

More than 200 artisans, compatriots, and artists are set to participate in the festivities. This impressive line-up includes more than 100 compatriots representing 15 distinct ethnic groups, with participants ranging from village elders and chiefs to skilled artisans.

Among the participating ethnic communities are the Nùng and Tày from the northern province of Thái Nguyên, Dao from the capital city of Hà Nội, Mông and Mường from the northern mountain provinces of Hà Giang and Hoà Bình respectively, and many others from diverse regions across the country.

The centrepiece of the event is the Chợ vùng cao Vui Tết độc lập (Highland Market to Celebrate Independence Day), a reimagined marketplace reflecting the colourful tapestry of Northwest and Northeast ethnic groups.

The market is set to offer a unique experience where visitors can immerse themselves in the cultures of the ethnic communities through various booths of different ethnic groups.

These booths will proudly showcase local ethnic products, ranging from bamboo shoots, star anise, and cardamom to regional dishes like thắng cố, corn wine or roasted suckling pig with honey. Additionally, a wide array of traditional clothing, accessories, and souvenirs from different ethnic groups will also be available for purchase.

The market space seamlessly integrates festival and entertainment areas, accompanied by folk song and dance performances, traditional games, and diverse cuisines of various ethnicities.

Visitors will have the chance to participate in traditional activities such as trading, traditional dish preparation or corn wine tasting while listening to the histories shared by people of ethnic minorities.

The celebration will also shine a spotlight on traditional art forms, including the lion dance of the Nùng ethnic group, designated as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage. A dynamic and rhythmic performance, the lion dance embodies the martial spirit and cultural significance.

Additionally, during this time, several traditional festivals will also be recreated at the Việt Nam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism, including the reenactments of Nùng ethnic weddings and the Mông ethnic community’s procession of the god of fire.

Located in the Đồng Mô tourism area in Hà Nội’s Sơn Tây outskirts, the Việt Nam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism is often regarded as the “common home” for all 54 of Việt Nam’s ethnic groups. Covering an expansive 1,544has and divided into seven distinctive zones, the heart of the village lies in the zone dedicated to ethnic minority communities. VNS