Hai Phong organises intangible cultural heritage performances
Performances of intangible cultural heritage recognised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) entertained the audience in Hai Phong city on May 5 evening.
Hai Phong (VNA)ꦏ – Performances of intangible cultural heritage recognised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) entertained the audience in Hai Phong city on May 5 evening.
The northern city and several other localities have two UNESCO-recognised heritage, namely Ca tru (ceremonial singing) and Practices related to Vietnamese beliefs in the Mother Goddesses of Three Realms.
The programme aimed to raise the public’s responsibility to preserve and spread heritage values, and educate them on patriotism and pride in cultural traditions of the nation in general and Hai Phong in particular.
It was also an opportunity to praise and recognise contributions of artisans and artists.
Inscribed in 2009 on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding, Ca tru is a complex form of sung poetry found in the north of Vietnam using lyrics written in traditional Vietnamese poetic forms.
It has 56 different musical forms or melodies, each of which is called “the cach”. Folk artists transmit the music and poems that comprise Ca tru pieces by oral and technical transmission, formerly, within their family line, but now to anyone who wishes to learn.
Meanwhile, the practices in the Mother Goddesses of Three Realms (heaven, water, and mountains and forests), inscribed in 2016 on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, aim to meet spiritual needs and everyday wishes of Vietnamese people.
The Mother Goddesses include Lieu Hanh (a nymph who descended to earth, lived as a human and became a Buddhist nun) referred to as the Mother of the World, and other spirits considered legendary heroes. The traditional practice involves daily worship and participation in ceremonies and rituals like the spirit possession ritual and festivals./.
To illuminate the esteemed standards of “a dao” (or ca tru) singing and preserve its heritage, traditional music researcher Bui Trong Hien dedicated nine years to unravelling the secrets of the art form. The culmination of these efforts is the book “A Dao - A study of history and tonal system”, released recently in Hanoi.
Ca tru is a complex form of sung poetry found in the north of Vietnam, with lyrics written in a traditional Vietnamese poetic form. It had been of risk of being lost, but has undergone a revival and shown remarkable resilience since being recognised by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage in need of urgent protection in 2009.
In 2016, the "Practices Related to the Viet Beliefs in the Mother Goddesses in Three Realms" was officially recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
This is the first time since the adoption of the Convention that a country has served two consecutive terms on the Committee. The outcome shows the trust and recognition that member states have given Vietnam for its efforts and achievements in carrying out and promoting the Convention, as well as for its active role, strong standing, and growing credibility at UNESCO.
Quang Duc pottery is known for its wide range of forms, including wine bottles, jars, lime pots, vases, plant pots, incense burners and candle stands. Decorative motifs are equally rich, featuring mythical creatures, pastoral scenes, floral patterns, deer, peacocks, bats and more.
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The Vietnamese team will gather on June 26 in Ba Ria-Vung Tau, where they will train until July 14 before departing for Indonesia for the ASEAN U23 Championship 2025, which runs from July 15 to 29. Vietnam will face Laos on July 19 and Cambodia on July 22 in the group stage.
The exhibition showcases more than 100 valuable documents and artifacts, divided into two main parts: “Journalist Nguyen Ai Quoc – Ho Chi Minh” and “President Ho Chi Minh – Founder and Mentor of Vietnamese Revolutionary Press.” This is an opportunity to recall the late leader’s journalism journey and affirm his exceptional role in founding and guiding the revolutionary press in Vietnam.
For the first time, the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) has granted Vietnam hosting rights for the two championships, including the Asian women’s solo category, which debuts this year as an officially recognised event.
Eight teams will join the tournament, divided into two groups. Group A features Vietnam, the Philippines, Sichuan Club (China), and Australia, while Group B consists of Vietnam U21, Korabelka Club (Russia), Taiwan (China), and U21 Thailand.
Despite strong home support and high expectations, Vietnam were unable to overcome the defending champions, who secured their third consecutive win over Vietnam in a regional final, following previous victories in 2014 and 2023.
The event, part of Vietnam’s cultural diplomacy strategy through 2030, was jointly organised by the Vietnamese Embassy in Venezuela and USM’s Faculty of International Relations. It attracted thousands of students from universities across Venezuela.
For the first time, Vietnamese audiences will have the opportunity to experience the ballet masterpiece "Don Quixote" in its original version by renowned choreographer Marius Petipa.
The contest carried deep meaning as it was the first time the life of Vietnamese women abroad had been highlighted as the central theme, said poet and writer Nguyen Quang Thieu, Chairman of the Vietnam Writers’ Association.
The event formed part of Vietnam’s ongoing campaign to seek UNESCO World Heritage status for the complex at the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, scheduled to take place in Paris in July.
Creative cultural festivals are fast emerging as a new catalyst for tourism development in Vietnam, as localities increasingly invest in these vibrant events on a more systematic and larger scale.
This marks the first time Vietnam has hosted a continental-level Muay event which will feature competitions across 28 weight categories in combat and eight performance categories.
Coming to the Vietnamese booth, visitors had the chance to take part in a bamboo dance, a workshop on painting woven bamboo or rattan, or quizzes about Vietnam.
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The cultural event in Canberra not only fostered cultural exchanges between Vietnam and Australia but also contributed to promoting Vietnam’s image internationally
