Artisans from Xuân La Village, Phú Xuyên District, Hà Nội demonstrate the art of making tò he (toy figurines) at the event. — VNS Photo Hà Quyên

HÀ NỘI — Traditional handicraft artisans from across the country have been demonstrating their skills and products during a five-day festival to celebrate Việt Nam Cultural Heritage Day which fell on Saturday.

The festival which kicked off in Hà Nội last weekend, features unique cultural trades that encompass natural landscapes, custom and historical relics.

With the theme Cultural Heritage – Development and Integration,, the festival is organised by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in collaboration with cultural agencies in Hà Giang, Cao Bằng, Quảng Ngãi, Đắk Lắk, Gia Lai, Thanh Hóa, Thừa Thiên-Huế and HCM City.

Each city/province is introducing local costumes and specialities. On display are traditional trades from 33 localities that have been recognised as national intangible heritages, such as Đại Bái bronze casting (Bắc Ninh), Bát Tràng pottery, Đông Hồ folk paintings, Xuân La tò he (toy figurines made from rice powder), Quất Động hand-embroidery (Hà Nội), Huế glass paintings and Hội An lanterns (Quảng Nam).

A photo exhibition displaying 100 entries gives a panoramic view of national heritage.

A culinary area also presents Vietnamese tea culture and cuisine from various regions such as smoked beef from Phú Yên Province, grilled chicken from the northern mountainous region, bánh gai (sweet black sticky rice cakes filled with green bean and coconut) from Thanh Hóa Province and grilled beef from An Giang Province.

The festival will run through November 27 at the Vietnamese Culture and Arts Exhibition Centre, 2 Hoa Lư Street, Hà Nội. — VNS