Hanoi (VNA) – The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has released a list of seven new national intangible cultural heritages.
1. Bamboo handicraft in Xuan Lai village, northern Bac Ninh province:
Bamboo handicraft makers in Xuan Lai village (Photo: VNA) Located in Xuan Lai commune, Gia Binh district, the village is considered the cradle of bamboo products such as bookshelf, wardrobe and chair.
2. Nghinh Ong festival in southern Ben Tre province:
Locals and visitors at the festival (Photo: VNA) Nghinh Ong (Whale worshipping) festival takes place in mid June on the lunar calendar annually in Binh Thang commune, Binh Dai district, with a view to praying for prosperity, good weather and favourable fishing activities.
3. Cau Ngu festival in central Da Nang City:
Worshiping ritual at the festival (Photo: VNA) Cau Ngu (also known as Nghinh Ong) festival represents the spiritual life of locals in coastal localities in the south-central region. It aims to express gratitude towards Nam Hai (Whale Saint) for safeguarding fishermen, and pray for bumper hauls of fish, safe voyages and peace for the nation. The festival is held on lunar January 16.
4. Festival dedicated to Le Chan General in northern Hai Phong city:
Dance performance at the festival (Photo: btgcp.gov.vn) General Le Chan is believed to establish An Bien Village, the original name of present-day Hai Phong city. She also encouraged locals to join the two Trung sisters, who led a rebellion against the Han Chinese invaders in 40 BC. The festival is organized in lunar February every year.
An art performance at the festival (Photo: VNA)
The festival in August honors Truong Dinh, a national hero in the war against the French invasion in the Mekong Delta province of Tien Giang. Truong Dinh was born in 1820 in Tinh Khe commune, Son Tinh district, central Quang Ngai province, but he later settled in Tien Giang. He led fighting against the French colonialists and killed himself when he was arrested in 1864.
6. Ancient Thai script in Son La province:
Teaching ancient Thai script (Photo: VNA) The Thai people make up 55 percent of the province’s population but few of them now know how to write their script.
7. Cai Rang floating market in Can Tho city:
Cai Rang floating market (Photo: VNA) The market first appeared 100 years ago, becoming a destination for the trading of agricultural products in the Mekong Delta region. Apart from selling fruit and vegetables from the district, it also offers special agricultural products from neighbouring provinces.-VNA
