Speaking at the opening ceremony, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung emphasised that the Northwest region is home to the Thai, Muong, H'Mong, Dao, Tay and Nung ethnic minorities. All havea unique cultural identity, which is expressed through customs, practices, folk rituals, folk songs, folk dances, and special traditional festivals.
The festival has become an activity of profound political and cultural significance, a place for ethnic minorities in the Northwest to meet, exchange experiences, raise awareness and a sense of responsibility, for preserving traditional cultural identity, and consolidate the strength of the great national unity bloc, he added.
Jointly organised by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Phu Tho Provincial People's Committee, the event is expected to bring together participants from many ministries, sectors, art troupes and athletes, from seven regional provinces, including Phu Tho, Hoa Binh, Dien Bien, Lai Chau, Lao Cai, Yen Bai and Son La.
The three-day event will contribute practically to the implementation of policies and Resolution of the Party, thus upholding and preserving cultural identities of the regional ethnic groups, promoting socio-economic development in the area, as well as helping to introduce and promote the potential and strengths for developing culture, sports and tourism, and honour the value of cultural heritages in ethnic minority areas throughoutthe region.
The festival will see a wide range of activities, including an art performance, a photo exhibition, and a fair featuring local cultural and tourism products.
Cultural rituals practised by the region’s ethnic groups,as well as their traditional costumes will also be introduced to visitors.
