Ethnic minority groups recall stories of Uncle Ho

‘May reminds us of Uncle Ho’ is the major theme of a programme which is taking place from May 4 to 31 at the Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism in Dong Mo Tourism Area, Son Tay Town, Hanoi, to celebrate the 130th anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh’s birthday (May 19, 1890-2020).

A performance praising President Ho Chi Minh by students from Viet Bac College of Arts and Culture.
A performance praising President Ho Chi Minh by students from Viet Bac College of Arts and Culture.

The programme is part of a series of activities launched by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to mark the President’s birthday and realise the Politburo’s Directive No. 05-CT/TW on promoting the studying and following of President Ho Chi Minh's thought, morality and style.

Through exhibitions, displays, cultural exchanges and arts performances, the programme introduces visitors to the life and career of President Ho Chi Minh, particularly his special care and sentiments towards ethnic minorities groups.

The event also provides an opportunity for visitors to explore cultural values, traditional customs and practices of Vietnamese ethnic minorities groups across the country.

The activities are being held in accordance with epidemic preventive measures as regulated by the Ministry of Health.

The programme draws the participation of more than 80 patriarchs, artisans, and elders representing the 12 ethnic groups living at the Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism, including the Tay, Dao, H’mong, Kho My, Muong, Thai, Ta Oi, Co Tu, Ba Na, Xo Dang, E De and Khmer people.

There is also an exhibition under the theme ‘Uncle Ho and ethnic communities’ with works on display including photos, documents and objects on the beloved President. Notably, the exhibition spaces were designed and arranged by the ethnic groups with all of their hearts and love for President Ho.

The exhibits feature the way in which the ethnic groups have followed Uncle Ho’s teachings as well as their cultural practices and living space.

Culinary events, folk games, traditional songs and dances are also scheduled at weekends to entertain visitors while enhancing ties between ethnic groups.

The highlight of the programme are meetings and exchanges where participating ethnic minorities groups will tell stories about Uncle Ho to visitors. Those living in the northern region will recollect about when Uncle Ho returned to the country in Cao Bang Province in 1941 to prepare for Vietnam’s revolution, which eventually liberated the nation.

Meanwhile, ethnic tribes in the central and Central Highlands region will gather together to exchange lessons they have learnt from Uncle Ho’s life; and those in the southern region will recall their aspiration to meet the President during the period of time when the country was fighting against the US for national salvation.

If the control of COVID-19 situation has improved by the end of May, the organising board will consider hosting two art programmes as gifts for President Ho on his birthday.