(VOVWORLD) - A festival is held annually in the northern port city of Hai Phong on the 8th day of the second lunar month in memory of female general Le Chan, who is credited with having founded the city nearly 2000 years ago. She also mobilized the local people to join the Trung Sisters, who led an uprising against Han Chinese invaders in 40 AD.

(VOVWORLD) - Vietnam’s traditional stage performances have become a magnet for many young Vietnamese who wish to learn more about their cultural roots, thanks to tireless efforts by independent artists and groups.

(VOVWORLD) - The William Joiner Institute of the University of Massachusetts has done a lot to promote Vietnamese literature to the world. The Institute specializes in the study of war and its consequences. Since the 1980s, the Institute and the Vietnam Writers Association have worked to deepen mutual understanding between the two countries and heal war wounds by translating and publishing Vietnamese literary works, hosting seminars, and organizing exchange visits. We’ll interview Thomas Kane, the William Joiner Institute’s Director, about the Institute’s activities and future plans for promoting Vietnamese literature in the US.

(VOVWORLD) - A program called “Ve mien Quan Ho” (Coming to the Quan Ho region) was held in Bac Ninh city late last month to mark the 10th anniversary of Quan Ho (love duet) singing being recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity.

(VOVWORLD) - A series of events were held last month to popularize Vietnamese literature worldwide. They included the 4th International Conference on Promoting Vietnamese Literature, the 17th Vietnam Poetry Day, and the 3rd International Poetry Festival.

(VOVWORLD) - An annual cultural program called “Spring colors across Vietnam” took place last week in Vietnam’s National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism in Hanoi. The program honors Vietnam’s diverse ethnic cultures while contributing to unifying the country’s 54 ethnic groups.

(VOVWORLD) - Vietnamese people often go on a pilgrimage at the beginning of each Lunar New Year to pray for safety, health, good luck, prosperity, and happiness during the year. Visiting a pagoda in the spring has become a valued custom for Vietnamese people from all walks of life.

(VOVWORLD) - A community of 14 ethnic groups in the mountain district of Sin Ho, Lai Chau province is home to diverse and unique cultural values and ethnic community practices, reflected in its many legends, folk songs, and traditional festivals. District authorities have established clubs to help preserve and promote the local ethnic culture.

(VOVWORLD) - Vietnam’s library system is facing numerous challenges due to increasing technology use and gadget consumer culture. Changing reading habits are intrinsically tied to the new formats and devices on which people read. VOV spotlights what needs to be done to help Vietnam’s library industry survive in the 4th Industrial Revolution.

(VOVWORLD) - Vietnam has consistently attached great importance to preserving and promoting ethnic culture, especially in border areas, considering it an important task of national development.