Over 2,000 people will join a xoe dance performance of the Thai ethnic people in the northern mountainous province of Yen Bai in September, in celebration of the dance being recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Over 2,000 people will join a xoe dance performance of the Thai ethnic people in Yen Bai Province this September. — VNA/VNS Photo The Duyet
The provincial People’s Committee will receive a UNESCO certificate formally recognising the art of xoe Thai dancing as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, which will also begin the Muong Lo Culture and Tourism Week and the Mu Cang Chai Terraced Field Festival, at a ceremony on September 24 in Nghia Lo Town.
The events are expected to expand tourism development cooperation between Yen Bai, northwestern localities and HCM City.
They will also contribute to promoting tangible and intangible cultural heritages, special historical values and the culture of ethnic groups in the Muong Lo region as well as unique tourism products of Yen Bai, attracting domestic and international tourists to the locality towards fostering socio-economic development.
Within the framework of the events, a number of activities will be organised, including a tourist photo exhibition, a fair featuring products meeting the criteria of the One Commune, One Product (OCOP) programme, and an art performance.
From September to December this year, Yen Bai will also host a series of activities, including a bicycle race in Nghia Lo Town, a paragliding festival 'flying over the ripe rice season' in Mu Cang Chai, and a tour programme to explore Mu Cang Chai's terraced fields by helicopter.
The xoe dance art was recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity on December 15, 2021.
Xoe dancing plays a significant role in the daily life of Thai ethnic communities in the northwest of Viet Nam. — VNA/VNS Photo Dieu Chinh Toi
Xoe is a unique type of traditional dance that plays a significant role in the daily lives of Thai ethnic communities in northwestern Viet Nam, especially in the provinces of Lai Chau, Bien Bien, Son La and Yen Bai. It is performed at various community activities from festivals to funeral rituals.
Xoe dance has become a symbol of the hospitality of the Thai people and an important cultural imprint of the community in the northwestern mountainous region.
