The San Chay people’s Tac Xinh dance is performed at the festival. (Photo: thainguyen.gov.vn)

The festival will feature a wide range of activities, including an incense-offering ceremony to honor President Ho Chi Minh at the ATK Dinh Hoa Special National Relic Site, an opening ceremony, cultural and culinary exhibitions, and traditional folk games such as nem con (a shuttlecock throwing game), tug-of-war, spinning top competitions, stilt walking, along with interactive activities organized by cultural and arts clubs.

In addition, many unique cultural performances will be showcased at the festival, including: Then singing and Tinh musical instrument, Luon Coi, Vi singing of the Tay people, Tac Xinh dance and Soong Co singing of the San Chay, San Diu, the Khen (panpines) of the Mong, Pa Dung singing of the Dao, and Sli singing of the Nung. These art forms are recognized either as UNESCO-listed heritage or as national intangible cultural heritage.

Traditional folk games are featured at the festival (Photo: thainguyen.gov.vn)

The festival will offer an opportunity for artisans and ethnic communities to exchange experiences, promote cultural values, and raise awareness about heritage preservation linked to tourism development. It hopes to become a meaningful cultural highlight, celebrating the diverse identities of ethnic minorities in the area and driving community-based tourism growth.

Earlier, from 26 November to 5 December, Thai Nguyen province will host the 14th National Ethnic Minority Sports Competition of Region I in 2025. This national-level event will have the participation of northern provinces and cities, from Hue City northward. The competition will include nine sports: men’s football, leather volleyball, running, stick pushing, tug-of-war, crossbow shooting, shuttlecock throwing, tu lu (a traditional game), and stilt running.