Khanh Hoa (VNA) – The sixth Cham Ethnic Culture Festival officially opened in the south-central province of Khanh Hoa on June 26, bringing together hundreds of artisans, performers and members of the Cham community from seven localities to celebrate one of Vietnam's most distinctive cultural traditions.
Jointly organised by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the provincial People's Committee, the festival features participants from Khanh Hoa, Gia Lai, Dak Lak, Lam Dong, An Giang, Tay Ninh and Ho Chi Minh City.
Addressing the opening ceremony, Vice State President Vo Thi Anh Xuan highlighted Vietnam's rich cultural diversity, noting that the country's ethnic groups have different languages, scripts, beliefs and customs, yet all contribute to the nation's shared values of patriotism, solidarity, compassion, diligence, creativity, and aspiration for rising up.
She said the Cham people, with their long history and rich cultural heritage, have made significant contributions to the formation and development of Vietnamese culture.
The Vice State President described Cham culture as a unique treasure, encompassing nationally recognised religious architecture, national treasures, ancient manuscripts, traditional festivals, music and handicrafts. One of its defining characteristics, she noted, is its unity despite regional cultural differences.
While Cham communities in the south-central region have preserved a wide range of traditional festivals, rituals, customs and handicrafts, those in southern Vietnam have developed a distinctive cultural space that harmoniously blends religious life with community identity and civic responsibility. Together, these traditions reflect the richness, openness and unity in diversity of Vietnamese culture.
Xuan reaffirmed that great national unity remains a core policy of the Party and is rooted in the principle that the people are the foundation, the driving force and the beneficiaries of national development.
She stressed that policies on ethnic affairs and culture must be people-centred, ensuring that ethnic minority communities can participate in, contribute to and benefit from the country's development. Supporting ethnic minorities, including the Cham people, is not only a political responsibility but also a humanitarian commitment, she said.
She called on ministries, sectors and localities to continue implementing the Party's policies on cultural development by preserving cultural heritage, applying science and technology to conservation efforts, promoting international cooperation, and empowering artisans, community leaders and other cultural custodians. She also emphasised the importance of linking cultural preservation with socio-economic development to improve the material and spiritual well-being of ethnic minority communities.
Chairman of the Khanh Hoa provincial People's Committee Nguyen Viet Hung said the festival, themed "Preserving and Promoting Cham Cultural Identity in the New Era," reflects the province's commitment to safeguarding cultural heritage while promoting tourism and cultural industries.
He added that the event also provides an opportunity to strengthen tourism links among localities with Cham communities, develop distinctive cultural tourism products and enhance the competitiveness of Vietnam's tourism industry in the international arena./.
