The Mekong Delta city of Can Tho will host the third National ‘Don Ca Tai Tu’ (traditional musical art form of the south) Festival in April, according to a plan announced by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
'Don Ca Tai Tu’ was recognised by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of the humanity in 2013 (Photo: VGP)
Themed ‘Southern ‘Don Ca Tai Tu’ - Preservation and Development’, the festival will take place from April 5 to 10 at Binh Thuy district’s square, Can Tho city.
The event will feature an opening ceremony entitled ‘Essence of Vietnamese folklore arts’, performances of ‘Don Ca Tai Tu’ by art troupes from 21 cities and provinces of the southern region, and an exhibition of traditional musical instruments from Vietnamese ethnic groups.
The festival aims to honour ‘Don Ca Tai Tu’, which was recognised by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of the humanity in 2013, thus raising public awareness of preserving and promoting the heritage’s values.
Can Tho is the third locality to be selected to host the festival, which were previously held in Bac Lieu and Binh Duong provinces.
'Don Ca Tai Tu', an indispensable part in the lives of Vietnam’s southerners, emerged at the end of the 19th century.
A 'Don Ca Tai Tu' orchestra is often made up of a group of young people, who are friends or neighbours, getting together after work to practice. Amateur singers are usually accompanied by string and percussion instruments, including 'dan co' (two stringed fiddle), 'dan tranh' (16 string zither) and 'dan bau' (monochord).