With the theme of preserving and promoting Cham ethnic cultural identity during the country's integration and development, the festival will feature performances by art troupes, artisans, artists, actors, athletes, and people of the Cham community from nine provinces and cities, including Binh Dinh, Phu Yen, Binh Thuan, An Giang, Tay Ninh, Quang Nam, Da Nang City, and Ho Chi Minh City.
The festival will feature two main parts including the ceremonial part, with the opening ceremony themed “Glimmering Colours of Cham Culture” on September 27 and the closing ceremony themed “Radiant Cham Cultural Colours” on September 29.
The festive division will feature various cultural activities, such as performances and presentations of Cham ethnic festivals and traditional cultural rituals; an exhibition showcasing and promoting cultural and tourism products, the country's achievements, and socio-economic accomplishments of the localities; displays of traditional local cuisine; demonstrations and presentations of c Cham crafts, such as weaving and pottery; and a folk art festival with performances and displays of customary Cham clothes.
An array of activities will also be held during the festival including an exhibition showcasing the unique Cham cultural characteristics within Vietnam's ethnic communities, an art photo exhibition highlighting the colours of Cham culture alongside the country's development, and a fine art exhibition on Cham ethnic culture. Visitors can join traditional sports activities, such as tug-of-war, stick pushing, football, volleyball and cross-country running.
A highlight of the Cham Ethnic Culture Festival is a seminar on tourism, themed "Promoting Cham Cultural Heritage in Tourism Development”, with the participation of experts, researchers, cultural managers, and Cham ethnic artisans.
Notably, the Ninh Thuan Provincial People's Committee will announce and receive the decision to recognise the national treasures of the Phuoc Thien Stele, dating from the late 8th to early 9th century, which is currently held at the Ninh Thuan Provincial Museum, and the statue of King Po Klong Garai, dating from the 16th to 17th century, which is housed at the Po Klong Garai Temple in Do Vinh Ward in Phan Rang-Thap Cham City.
The Cham Ethnic Culture Festival is an opportunity to honour and showcase the traditional cultural values of the Cham people to both domestic and international friends. It aims to promote Vietnam's image as a country rich in cultural heritage, demonstrating unity and harmony among ethnic groups. The festival reflects the Party and State's commitment to preserving and promoting Cham cultural values in the context of renewal, integration, and development. It also seeks to raise public awareness, consciousness, and responsibility in building and developing Vietnamese culture, to meet the needs of the country’s sustainable development.
