The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has released a list of seven new national intangible cultural heritages.

1. Bamboo handicraft in Xuan Lai village, northern Bac Ninh province:

Located in Xuan Lai commune, Gia Binh district, the village is considered the cradle of bamboo products such as bookshelf, wardrobe and chair.​

Bamboo handicraft makers in Xuan Lai village (Photo: VNA)

2. Nghinh Ong festival in southern Ben Tre province:

Nghinh Ong (Whale worshipping) festival takes place in mid June on the lunar calendar annually in Binh Thang commune, Binh Dai district, with a view to praying for prosperity, good weather and favourable fishing activities.

Locals and visitors at the festival (Photo: VNA)

3. Cau Ngu festival in Da Nang: ​

Cau Ngu (also known as Nghinh Ong) festival represents the spiritual life of locals in coastal localities in the south-central region. It aims to express gratitude towards Nam Hai (Whale Saint) for safeguarding fishermen, and pray for bumper hauls of fish, safe voyages and peace for the nation. The festival is held on lunar January 16.

Worshiping ritual at the festival (Photo: VNA)

4. Festival dedicated to Le Chan General in northern Hai Phong city: ​

General Le Chan is believed to establish An Bien Village, the original name of present-day Hai Phong city. She also encouraged locals to join the two Trung sisters, who led a rebellion against the Han Chinese invaders in 40 BC. The festival is organized in lunar February every year.

Dance performance at the festival (Photo: btgcp.gov.vn)

5. Truong Dinh festival in Tien Giang province

The festival in August honors Truong Dinh, a national hero in the war against the French invasion in the Mekong Delta province of Tien Giang. Truong Dinh was born in 1820 in Tinh Khe commune, Son Tinh district, central Quang Ngai province, but he later settled in Tien Giang. He led fighting against the French colonialists and killed himself when he was arrested in 1864.

An art performance at the festival (Photo: VNA)​

6. Ancient Thai script in Son La province:

The Thai people make up 55 percent of the province’s population but few of them now know how to write their script.

Teaching ancient Thai script (Photo: VNA)

7. Cai Rang floating market in Can Tho city:

The market first appeared 100 years ago, becoming a destination for the trading of agricultural products in the Mekong Delta region. Apart from selling fruit and vegetables from the district, it also offers special agricultural products from neighbouring provinces.

Cai Rang floating market (Photo: VNA)

(Source: VNA)