A performance at the opening ceremony of the 7th Cultural and Sports Festival of Ethnic Minorities in Lam Dong province, October 24, 2024. (Photo: VOV)

Under the theme "Bao Lam – Legend and Convergence," the opening ceremony began with a procession of the Fire and Gong Gods and sacred objects carried by artisans.

Artisans from the Ma, Co Ho, Chu Ru, and M'Nong ethnic groups played gongs and performed traditional dances around a fire. The opening night also featured a re-enactment of the Nho R’he Festival (new rice celebration of the Ma people) and included a contest for decorating cultural gong spaces and showcased the traditional cuisine of the South Central Highlands’ ethnic groups.

“At this festival,  I had a chance to listen to the gongs of the K’ho, Churu, Ma, and Chau Ma ethnic groups. Each gong melody was unique and so joyful. I hope this festival will be held every year, so we can exchange and learn from each other,” artisan K’Niep of Da Nghit hamlet said

The two-day festival included a parade of vehicles, folk game competitions, traditional cooking contests, gong performances, and traditional costume shows.