The sixth national festival of the art of Then singing and Tinh gourd lute of the Tay, Nung and Thai ethnic groups concluded in the northernmost province of Ha Giang on May 14.
The sixth national festival of the art of Then singing and Tinh gourd lute of the Tay, Nung and Thai ethnic groups concluded in the northernmost province of Ha Giang on May 14 (Photo: VNA)
HaGiang (VNA) – The sixth national festival of the art of Then singingand Tinh gourd lute of the Tay, Nung and Thai ethnic groups concluded in thenorthernmost provinc𓃲e of Ha Giang on May 14.
Nguyen Thi Hai Nhung, head of the Department ofTraditional Culture under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said thefestival offered chances to promote the cultural heritage of Vietnamese ethnicgroups to international friends and honour an art form of Tay, Nung and Thaigroups. During the event, Vietnam’s heritage and Thensinging in particular made strong impressions on visitors, she affirmed. Thefestival gathered more than 500 artisans from the 14 provinces nationwide. Itwas considered a rendezvous of Then melodies, dances and music from differentethnic regions. Arttroupes staged nearly 60 performances of Then singing accompanied by Tinh lute.These performances were deeply imbued with traditional cultural identities ofTay, Nung and Thai ethnicities. Atthe closing ceremony, the organisers presented certificates of merit from theMinister of Culture, Sports and Tourism to outstanding organisations andindividuals who took part in the festival. Accordingto researchers, the word “Then” originates from “Thien”, which means sky orheaven. Then singing is regarded as a tune of the Gods. Themost important figures in a Then singing performance are “Ong Then” and “BaThen” who can sing, dance and play a musical instrument at the same time duringrituals while presenting offerings to the Gods, helping ask for good health,bumper crops, happiness and longevity. In2017, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism submitted a dossier to UNESCOto seek the recognition of Then sining as part of world intangible culturalheritage.-VNA
The Khau Vai Love Market festival took place in Khau Vai commune, Meo Vac district of the northern mountainous province of Ha Giang on May 11, spotlighting the unique cultures of ethnic groups in the locality.
The sixth national festival of the art of Then singing and Tinh gourd lute of the Tay, Nung and Thai ethnic groups officially opened in Ha Giang city, the northernmost province of Ha Giang, on May 13.
Then singing, a unique art of Tay, Nung and Thai ethnic groups in some northern mountainous localities, is a religious art considered melodies of Heaven.
The sixth national festival of the art of Then singing and Tinh gourd lute of the Tay, Nung and Thai ethnic groups officially opened in Ha Giang city, the northernmost province of Ha Giang, on May 13.
This is the first time since the adoption of the Convention that a country has served two consecutive terms on the Committee. The outcome shows the trust and recognition that member states have given Vietnam for its efforts and achievements in carrying out and promoting the Convention, as well as for its active role, strong standing, and growing credibility at UNESCO.
Quang Duc pottery is known for its wide range of forms, including wine bottles, jars, lime pots, vases, plant pots, incense burners and candle stands. Decorative motifs are equally rich, featuring mythical creatures, pastoral scenes, floral patterns, deer, peacocks, bats and more.
Vietnam’s cinematic appeal lies in its diverse settings, from terraced mountains and limestone karsts to bustling markets and ancient towns. Its mix of ethnic vibes, buzzing street life, and old traditions gives directors a goldmine for storytelling.
The Vietnamese team will gather on June 26 in Ba Ria-Vung Tau, where they will train until July 14 before departing for Indonesia for the ASEAN U23 Championship 2025, which runs from July 15 to 29. Vietnam will face Laos on July 19 and Cambodia on July 22 in the group stage.
The exhibition showcases more than 100 valuable documents and artifacts, divided into two main parts: “Journalist Nguyen Ai Quoc – Ho Chi Minh” and “President Ho Chi Minh – Founder and Mentor of Vietnamese Revolutionary Press.” This is an opportunity to recall the late leader’s journalism journey and affirm his exceptional role in founding and guiding the revolutionary press in Vietnam.
For the first time, the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) has granted Vietnam hosting rights for the two championships, including the Asian women’s solo category, which debuts this year as an officially recognised event.
Eight teams will join the tournament, divided into two groups. Group A features Vietnam, the Philippines, Sichuan Club (China), and Australia, while Group B consists of Vietnam U21, Korabelka Club (Russia), Taiwan (China), and U21 Thailand.
Despite strong home support and high expectations, Vietnam were unable to overcome the defending champions, who secured their third consecutive win over Vietnam in a regional final, following previous victories in 2014 and 2023.
The event, part of Vietnam’s cultural diplomacy strategy through 2030, was jointly organised by the Vietnamese Embassy in Venezuela and USM’s Faculty of International Relations. It attracted thousands of students from universities across Venezuela.
For the first time, Vietnamese audiences will have the opportunity to experience the ballet masterpiece "Don Quixote" in its original version by renowned choreographer Marius Petipa.
The contest carried deep meaning as it was the first time the life of Vietnamese women abroad had been highlighted as the central theme, said poet and writer Nguyen Quang Thieu, Chairman of the Vietnam Writers’ Association.
The event formed part of Vietnam’s ongoing campaign to seek UNESCO World Heritage status for the complex at the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, scheduled to take place in Paris in July.
Creative cultural festivals are fast emerging as a new catalyst for tourism development in Vietnam, as localities increasingly invest in these vibrant events on a more systematic and larger scale.
This marks the first time Vietnam has hosted a continental-level Muay event which will feature competitions across 28 weight categories in combat and eight performance categories.
Coming to the Vietnamese booth, visitors had the chance to take part in a bamboo dance, a workshop on painting woven bamboo or rattan, or quizzes about Vietnam.
These are impressive achievements, not only showing the efforts and prowess of Vietnamese paddlers but also serving as proof of the sports sector’s strategic and systematic investment.
The cultural event in Canberra not only fostered cultural exchanges between Vietnam and Australia but also contributed to promoting Vietnam’s image internationally
The sixth national festival of the art of Then singing and Tinh gourd lute of the Tay, Nung and Thai ethnic groups concluded in the northernmost province of Ha Giang on May 14 (Photo: VNA) 
