HÀ NỘI — An exhibition of replicas of “sovereignty rocks” and landmarks of the Spratly Archipelago kicked off a wide range of activities organised around the theme “The love of youth and ethnic people for sea and islands”.

The event is taking place at the Việt Nam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism, Sơn Tây town in Hà Nội during March.

The programme draws the participation of 11 ethnic communities, who will introduce visitors to their cultural practices, traditional songs and dances, as well as folk games.

Representatives from 11 cities and provinces, including Thái Nguyên, Hà Giang, Sơn La, Hòa Binh, Thừa Thiên – Huế, Ninh Thuận, and Sóc Trăng, will also participate in the programme.

A highlight of the event is an exhibition showcasing replicas of “sovereignty rocks” from the Spratly Archipelago, documents, documentaries, and artefacts on Việt Nam’s sea and islands. Journalist Nguyễn Mỹ Trà, who has visited the Spratly Archipelago many times, is also showcasing her photos taken during the trips.

A bilingual book comprising these photos will be released on March 12 in Hà Nội.

Visitors will have the chance to meet and talk with veterans, families of fallen soldiers, and journalists, who will share their stories on their love for the national sea and islands.

In addition, the Xên Lẩu Nó festival of Thái ethnic people from the northern province of Sơn La will be reproduced on March 24. It’s an occasion to pay gratitude to the gods, ancestors and herbalists of the community who cure people of disease.

The festival will include a gong performance, folk dancing and games. Additionally, the Thái people will introduce their unique cuisine including dishes made from hoa ban (orchids) and specialities of Sơn La Province.

The programme aims to preserve and uphold the traditional cultural values of Vietnamese ethnic communities, enhancing national unity while advertising the Việt Nam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism as an attractive tourist destination for visitors from home and abroad, said Lâm Văn Khang, head of the management board of the village. — VNS