The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism recently recognised several new items as national intangible cultural heritage, raising the total number to 228.

The traditional wrestling festival of Vinh Khe village in Hai Phong city

The new items include the traditional wrestling festival of Vinh Khe village in Hai Phong city, the Bun huot nam (water festival) of the Lao ethnic minority group in Nua Ngam commune, Dien Bien district, Dien Bien province and the art of making patterns on traditional costumes of the Mong ethnic minority group in Sa Long commune, Muong Cha district of Dien Bien province.

The wresting festival, which is believed to have begun 700 years ago, is held annually on the seventh day of the first lunar month, honouring the village’s tutelary god.

The water festival was held annually during of the Lunar New Year (Tet) Festival to facilitate family members’ reunion. However, since 2015, it has been celebrated on its traditional days, April 14-16.

It is considered an important festival of the Lao people, with numerous rituals, including ancestor worshipping and praying for rain.

Meanwhile, the art of making patterns on traditional costumes features the traditional technique of using wax to make patterns, creating unique cultural and historical values and reflecting the skills of the Mong people.

Other heritages recently recognised are the Xang Khan festival (or Kin chieng booc may) of Thai ethnic minority people in Nghe An province, the Long Khe Temple festival in Quynh Phu district of Thai Binh province, along with the Cau ngu (Whale Worshipping) festival in Hau Loc district and Vien Khe – Dong Anh folk songs and dances in Dong Son district of Thanh Hoa province.

VNA