Ethnic groups joined the Neu planting festival

The Co Tu Culture village in Tay Giang district, Quang Nam province, was in a festive mood over the past 3 days. Representatives of the Co Tu, Cor, GieTrieng, and Xo Dang of Quang Nam province, the Ba Na of Kon Tum province, the Mo Nong of Dac Nong province, the X’Tieng of Binh Phuoc province, the Raglai of Ninh Thuan province, and the E De of Kon Tum province built the Neu tree of their groups and performed their traditional cultural and spiritual rituals.

Nguyen Thi Hai Nhung, Head of the Ethnic Culture Department of the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, said: “In the Neu tree demonstration, artisans revitalize the most typical rituals expressing their belief and wishes for a happy and prosperous life. This is an opportunity to introduce ethnic cultures to Vietnamese people and foreign tourists and promote economic and cultural cooperation. The festival is also a cultural inspiration for ethnic people.”

Ae Chi Buon of Ko Sier hamlet in Dak Lak province said the delegation of Dac Lac province participated in many activities such as planting the Neu tree and gong performances.  “We are very glad to participate in the festival. The festival space is suitable for gong performances. We met performers of other ethnic groups and shared our experience in gong performance.”

The festival included an international chorus contest featuring more than 1,000 artists from 10 countries and territories, an international kite festival, the Quang Nam Heritage Fair, the World Windsurfing Championships, an international food festival, and an exhibition of photos, craft items, and food specialties of ethnic groups.