Various cultural and art activities are set to be held at the Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism throughout January, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said on January 3.
A traditional festival of Thai ethnic group at the Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism (Photo: VNA)
The events are designed to introduce festivals and customs at the beginning of the year, as well as the traditional activities during Tet (Lunar New Year) of various ethnic groups. They will feature nearly 100 members of 14 ethnic groups at the village.The Tay-Nung group will introduce the “Lau Then” ritual to visitors. “Then” singing (Hat Then) is a distinctive musical genre of the Tay, Nung, and Thai ethnic groups in northern mountainous provinces of Vietnam, such as Ha Giang, Cao Bang, Bac Kan, and Lang Son. Closely linked with the spiritual life of ethnic minority groups who often use ceremonial offerings to treat illnesses, Then singing is seen as therapeutic to go alongside medicine, helping to ease the worries of patients and their families.Meanwhile, houses of ethnic groups in the village will be decorated in accordance with traditional customs to celebrate Tet.In addition, cultural and art performances themed around the “Spring Festival” will be staged on weekends.Traditional dishes of ethnic people will also be served at the village, including sticky rice, chicken with bamboo shoots, and grilled fish, among others. Visitors can participate in an array of activities like harvesting tea; weaving fabric; making musical instruments, liquor, and herbal medicine; as well as joining numerous folk games.A photo exhibition on activities in the village will also be held on the occasion.–VNA
