HÀ NỘI — More than 1,000 craftsmen and artists originating from minority ethnic groups in the north-eastern region will gather at a festival to promote their traditional culture and identity from November 2-4 in the northern province of Vĩnh Phúc.

The festival’s theme is “Preserving and Promoting Northeast Ethnic Culture in the Reform Process: Integration and Sustainable Development".

Artists and ethnic people from Bắc Kạn, Hà Giang, Tuyên Quang, Cao Bằng, Thái Nguyên, Lạng Sơn, Bắc Giang, Quảng Ninh, Vĩnh Phúc and Thanh Hóa will take part in the festival.

The festival aims to raise people’s awareness about the promotion and preservation of traditional cultural values of ethnic groups in the north-eastern region and help to reinforce the great national unity bloc. 

It’s also a chance for artists to share experience and exchange.

Director of Vĩnh Phúc Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism Trần Ngọc Oanh said the province is ready to organise the event.

Diverse activities will be held including art performances, a fashion show of traditional costumes, a photo exhibition introducing tourism potential, food stalls and local folk games.

“Traditional festivals and rituals of the Thái and Dao will be reflected at the festival,” he said.

At the opening ceremony on November 2, the UNESCO office in Việt Nam will present a certificate to recognise tug-of-war ritual and games as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity to Vĩnh Phúc Province’s authorities. 

The opening ceremony is arranged as an art performance with music, singing and dancing to honour culture of local ethnic groups. It will be broadcast live on VTV2 channel. — VNS