Fostering the revival and development of craft villages is the biggest advantage that the festival has brought about, said artisan Than Van Huy from the Thanh Tien paper flower village.

Thanh Tien paper lotus has been present in many countries like the US, Japan and the Republic of Korea, Huy said, adding that various contracts have been signed since the village joined the festival for the first time in 2013.

For “Zeng” weaving of Ta Oi ethnic in A Luoi district, Thua Thien-Hue province, the festival served as a launching pad for the traditional craft to be recognised as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2017. The textile products have been introduced in Japan and France by fashion designer Minh Hanh.

Meanwhile, Bao La village on the northern bank of Bo River in Quang Dien district is now much busier than ever before as hundreds of workers are rushing off their feet to make bamboo products to satisfy large orders in such large markets as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Quang Nam province, China and Japan. 

According to Vo Van Dinh, Director of the Bao La Bamboo & Rattan Cooperative, the festival opens opportunities for the village to gain favour from both domestic and foreign consumers.

Chairman of the Hue city People’s Committee Nguyen Van Thanh affirmed that the festival creates a platform for artisans across the country to show off their talent as well as promote the quintessence of traditional handicrafts.

The eighth Hue Traditional Craft Festival 2019 will take place from April 26 to May 2. More than 300 artisans from 63 trade villages nationwide have registered to present their products and perform handicraft skills at the event. 

Various products will be featured, including jewellery, embroidery, brocade, silk, bronze casting, ao dai (Vietnamese traditional long dress), wood, textiles, ceramic, bamboo products, conical hats, paper flowers, kites, lanterns and food. Visitors will have the chance to make these products with the instruction of artisans.

Organised biennially by the Hue city People’s Committee, the festival is a part of activities to celebrate the 230th anniversary of King Quang Trung (Nguyen Hue)’s victory against the Chinese Qing invaders (1789), the 120th anniversary of the establishment of Hue (July 12, 1899), and the 120th anniversary of Dong Ba Market and Truong Tien Bridge, two remarkable pieces of architecture in Hue.-VNA