Director of the Son La provincial Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism Dang Van Hung said: “The festival is of great significance for exchanges because each ethnic group in the northwestern region has its distinctive culture. We need to preserve such cultural values not only for today but also for future generations”.

An exhibition of 280 photos gives visitors an insight into natural landscapes and diverse cultural identities of local ethnic groups. Another display introduces the traditional customs, crafts and farm tools, as well as delicacies from the communities. The festival will run until Tuesday.