The opening ceremony of the 6th Culture Festival for Children of all Ethnic Groups in the Southern region (Photo: VNA)

Themed “Vietnamese children – The future of the nation”, the 6th Culture Festival for Children of all Ethnic Groups in the Southern region attracted 34 art groups from 23 cities and provinces in the South of Vietnam. The three-day festival, which began on Wednesday, included music performances of different styles: group, solo, trio, concert, and traditional instrument performance. The music programs featured unique cultures of localities, praising the homeland and the achievements of child education and care, and solidarity between the ethnic groups of Vietnam.  The event also offered folk games and physical activities. Scholarships were presented to disadvantaged children with excellent academic results. Mr. Le Trung Ho is the head of the festival’s organizing board: “Beside musical performances, the festival also aims to support disadvantaged children. On this occasion, a charity house was given to a poor pupil with excellent academic results. 50 scholarships were also granted”.

The festival contains a colorful space for children, exhibiting photos of history, culture, natural scenery, as well as activities of the ethnic children in Southern Vietnam.  The participating children also took part in a painting contest where they drew their dreams about Vietnam, its landscape and people, the environment, and scientific and technological achievements that Vietnam has gained during international integration.  Nguyen Thanh Tuyen is from Dong Thap province’s art troupe: “At this festival, we perform folk songs of Dong Thap province. I am really impressed with the folk games, and drawing and also took part in the flash mob performance”.

Vo Van Anh and Tran Huynh Thanh Truc are from the art troupe of Ninh Kieu district, Can Tho city: “We organized a grand program called Ocomboc or “a festival under moonlight”. It includes various activities such as floating lanterns to make wishes and show gratitude to genies, and a dancing, Ghe Ngo race. We performed in group and were accompanied by various types of musical instruments”.

During the event, participating children gave music performances and exchanged with local children. The Culture Festival for Children of all Ethnic Groups in the Southern region is held to promote children’s musical talents and encourage their love for the homeland.