With the participation of artists from 14 provinces and cities nationwide, the 6th edition of the National Festival of Traditional Then singing will be held in Ha Giang, from May 12 – 14.
This was announced by Nguyen Thi Hai Nhung, head of the Department of Traditional Culture under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism at a press conference on the festival.
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Then singing.
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“Then” singing is a form of art combining literature, music and dance and has long been a religious and cultural practice of Tay, Nung and Thai ethnic groups in the northern mountainous region of Vietnam during special occasions, such as village festivals. This type of singing is always accompanied by dan tinh (gourd lute).
“The festival aims to honour, maintain and develop the practice of Then singing and dan tinh performance in modern life,” said Nhung.
The event also offers chances for Then artisans and singers across the country to meet and share experience, she added.
Art troupes from 14 provinces and cities where many Tay, Nung and Thai ethnic people reside such as Cao Bang, Ha Giang, Tuyen Quang, Bac Kan, Lang Son, Thai Nguyen, Bac Giang, Quang Ninh, Yen Bai, Lao Cai, Son La, Dien Bien, Lai Chau and Dak Lak, will perform different types of Then singing.
The opening ceremony is slated for May 13 and will be broadcast live, while the closing ceremony will take place the day after. A series of sub-events will be held in the festival, including performances of Then singing in respective provinces and cities, a photo exhibition on Then cultural heritage and introduction of traditional weaving of Tay, Nung and Thai ethnic groups. Ha Giang province will also organise several activities to promote its tourism.
In 2017, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism signed a dossier on then singing practice of the Tay, Nung and Thai ethnic groups of Vietnam for submission to UNESCO asking for the singing form’s recognition as part of the intangible cultural heritage.
Mai Nguyen