Cham Cultural Festival kicks off in Phu Yen

With the theme “Preserving Culture of the Cham in accordance with developing tourism”, the fifth Cham Culture, Sports and Tourism Festival, 2019, is taking place from August 18 to 21, with the participation of 2,000 artisans, performers and artists from nine central and southern provinces and cities where Cham communities reside, such as Binh Dinh, Phu Yen, Ninh Thuan, Binh Thuan, Tay Ninh, Binh Phuoc, An Giang, Da Nang City and Ho Chi Minh City.

The Culture, Sports and Tourism Festival of the Cham people features tours to popular tourist spots in Phu Yen and a seminar on connecting Phu Yen and other central south provinces.

In addition, other activities at the festival include art performances, a fashion show of Cham people’s traditional costumes, an exhibition on socio-economic development of the Cham ethnic group, the introduction of traditional crafts and cuisine, as well as folk games and sports games.

Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam (Photo: VNA)

Addressing the opening ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam highly appreciated the organising of the festival, saying it has become an important cultural event where Cham people meet and raise their sense of responsibility in preserving their culture and consolidating national unity.

The festival also provides an opportunity to promote Cham people’s distinctive cultural values and Vietnam’s cultural diversity among international friends and boost tourism, he said.

On the occasion, Deputy PM Vu Duc Dam presented a certificate, recognising Nhan Tower in the central coastal province of Phu Yen as a national special relic site, to local authorities.