Gong festival to open on Friday

November 28, 2018 - 13:00

Over 1,000 artists will be performing at the Highlands Gong Culture Festival 2018 this weekend.

 
Gongs symbolise wealth and power to local people in the Central Highlands. — VNA/VNS Photo Hồng Điệp
Viet Nam News

GIA LAI — Over 1,000 artists will be performing at the Highlands Gong Culture Festival 2018 this weekend.

“The Central Highlands has preserved its gong culture well,” said researcher Nguyễn Quang Tuệ.

Gongs symbolise wealth and power to local people, who play them during most rituals and ceremonies.

The gong culture in Tây Nguyên was recognised as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritages of Humanity by UNESCO in 2005.

Since September, the gong team from Groi 2 Village in Đak Đoa District have been gathering every Saturday night to rehearse their performance for the festival.

“The villagers are really pleased to know that we will be performing at the festival, and we’re really happy too. We all try our best not to miss a rehearsal,” said Alip, a team member.

Visitors to the fesitval will also have the chance to watch locals perform weaving, folk singing and sculpture carving, while enjoying local specialties such as grilled chicken, grilled pork and local wine.

Local rituals will also be demonstrated to give visitors a better understanding of the local culture.

Coffee, a signature drink of the region, will also be served in Đại Đoàn Kết Square, where the event will take place. — VNS

 

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