A Cultural Camp and Festival of Xoan and Phu Tho folk singing are taking place in the northern midland province of Phu Tho from Mar. 26-31, as part of activities to celebrate the Hung Kings Temple Festival.

With the participation of singing clubs and art troupes from universities and districts in the locality, the festival aims to popularise Xoan singing, which has recently earned the UNESCO’s recognition as the World Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Also in the province the same day, a seminar on preserving and upholding cultural and historical values of Hung Kings worship rituals opened with many historians and researchers taking part.

In addition to talking about the customs of ancestor worship, the participants also discussed measures to complete a scientific dossier on Hung Kings worship rituals, which is seeking UNESCO’s recognition as a World Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Prof. Phan Huy Le stressed that the worship of the Hung Kings is part of the nation’s custom of ancestor worship, which is the source of internal power to foster national solidarity. The practice has survived many ups and downs in history, with thousands of places of worship dedicated to the nation’s legendary founders across the country.

The same day, the Vietnam Association of Photographic Artists in collaboration with the Phu Tho provincial Association of Literature and Arts opened the sixth international art photo exhibition in Phu Tho province.

On display during the eight-day event were 542 works by 354 artists from 38 countries and territories worldwide, including 304 photos from Vietnam.-VNA