A performance by artisans from Hoàn Long Commune, Hưng Yên Province in the first chèo, ca trù and trống quân singing festival. Photo Xã Hoàn Long - Hưng Yên Commune

HƯNG YÊN — The Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of the northern province of Hưng Yên has organised the first festival celebrating three national intangible cultural heritages of the locality – chèo (traditional opera), ca trù (ceremonial singing) and hát trống quân (folk singing with drums).

The opening ceremony on September 16 was attended by Vice Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee Phạm Văn Nghiêm, together with representatives of various departments, sectors and localities.

The festival is being held to mark the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, National Day (September 2), and the first Congress of the Provincial Party Committee for the 2025–2030 term. It is one of the key cultural activities in the province’s 2025 agenda.

Hưng Yên is home to 29 elements recognised as national intangible cultural heritage, including chèo and trống quân singing – art forms deeply embedded in the cultural and spiritual life of the local community.

The inaugural chèo, ca trù and trống quân festival features 42 performances by nearly 300 artists and musicians from 21 communes and wards. Immediately after the opening, the troupes presented impressive and heartfelt performances that expressed their love for their homeland and country.

The event not only offers a platform for artisans and performers to meet and share their craft but also helps to inspire younger generations with a passion for traditional arts. It aims to promote the unique cultural values of Hưng Yên, enrich local identity, and contribute to the preservation of Việt Nam’s intangible heritage.

A ca trù performance by artisans from Hồng Châu Ward, Hưng Yên Province. Photo Hồng Châu Facebook

Chèo is a form of traditional Vietnamese stage art that flourished in the country’s north, particularly in the Red River Delta. Closely linked with folk culture and community activities, it has long been a favourite of farmers, especially during village festivals.

Ca trù is a sophisticated genre of sung poetry from northern Việt Nam, with lyrics composed in traditional Vietnamese verse forms. Once at risk of disappearing, it has experienced a revival and shown remarkable resilience since being recognised by UNESCO in 2009 as intangible cultural heritage in need of urgent safeguarding.

Trống quân singing is a call-and-response folk genre performed at festivals, typically as alternating verses between groups of boys and girls. Rather than using musical counterpoint, the performers answer one another through improvised lyrics, creating a lively and playful dialogue. — VNS