National village highlights ethnic culture

Khèn (panpipe) a traditional dance of Mông ethnic group will be performed at the Việt Nam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism from August 31 to September 3. Photo baoyenbai.com.vn

HÀ NỘI – Hundreds of ethnic dancers and musicians will be putting on shows for visitors over several days to celebrate the national holiday.

Việt Nam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism welcomes visitors to join a series of activities celebrating National Day on September 2. 

Activities will be held from August 31 to September 3 at the village in Hà Nội’s suburbs aiming at honouring and introducing the culture and customs of Vietnamese ethnic groups. 

Visitors to the village will have an opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich culture of the ethnic groups through the programme entitled Vui Tết Độc Lập (Happy Independence Day).

The programme will highlight the khèn (panpipe) dance of those of the Mông ethnic group, lễ cấp sắc (maturity ritual) of the Nùng and the head washing ceremony of the Thái ethnic people. 

Playing khèn and khèn dancing is a musical form that expresses deep feelings and connects this life to the spiritual world. 

Mông people will play and dance khèn at festivals and New Year celebrations. It expresses love, community and nature and making contact to the world of the dead. Young Mông men play the khèn and dance to show off their strength, sensibility and skill. 

The Cấp sắc is a rite of passage declaring the coming-of-age of Nùng men. The cấp sắc ritual is an indispensable part of the life of every Nùng male as it helps him earn recognition as being mature enough to join in the community’s major activities. Cấp sắc ritual is a unique ritual, handed down through many generations in the community.

The Vui Tết Độc Lập programme promises a dazzling showcase of the rich traditional cultures through highland market, with enchanting folk dances, regional cuisines and other festive performances.

The northern province of Bắc Ninh will have around 30 booths during the event to introduce its culture and architecture to visitors, along with folk games, traditional crafts and the UNESCO recognised quan họ (love duet). There will also be quan họ pictures on display.

Three hundred artisans and artists are set to participate in the event. – VNS