(VOVWORLD) - The 2023 Hung King Festival opened in Phu Tho province on Friday with a spectacular art show featuring the performances of 12 localities having UNESCO recognized heritages.
 An art show raises the curtain on the 2023 Hung King Festival, April 21, 2023. |
A wide range of activities will be held to mark the death anniversary of the Hung Kings, considered the founders of the Vietnamese nation. The 10-day event will also be a platform for the Culture and Tourism Week of Ancestral Land and a national festival honoring Vietnam’s intangible heritages recognized by UNESCO.
“Phu Tho province has done an excellent job in preserving and promoting Vietnam’s cultural values. I hope that UNESCO, other international organizations, and partners will continue helping Vietnam promote its tangible and intangible heritages,” Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha said at the opening ceremony.
The death anniversary of the Hung Kings is commemorated on the 10th day of the third lunar month, which falls on next Saturday, and is a national holiday. The practice of worshiping the Hung Kings was recognized by UNESCO as part of the world's intangible cultural heritage in 2012.
Main rituals during the festival include ceremonies to offer incense to Lac Long Quan and Au Co - the progenitors of Vietnam, a swimming and stand-up paddle board competition, the northwest tourism fair 2023, and football and volleyball tournaments.
Visitors can also enjoy the Northwestern Tourism Fair in 2023, the Northeast - Phu Tho trade fair in 2023, the Ancestral Land Food Culture Festival, and a Cultural Camp and Art Festival to celebrate the legacy of the Hung Kings.