The opening art program, entitled “Thai Xoe–A Circle of Love”, combined traditional cultural elements with contemporary artistic expression. The mass dance symbolized community solidarity and the enduring vitality of Xoe dance heritage.
The annual provincial-level festival marks the fifth anniversary of UNESCO’s inscription of the art of Xoe dance by the Thai people on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. It celebrates the heritage and cultural identities of ethnic communities in the northwest, and promotes Lao Cai’s destinations and tourism products.
Nong Viet Yen, Director of the Lao Cai Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said: “The event provides an important opportunity to review efforts to preserve and promote the art of Thai Xoe since its UNESCO inscription, while celebrating the rich cultural identities of ethnic communities in Vietnam's northwestern region.”
The festival, which runs until October 21, also features a street parade involving 400 artisans and local residents, a tourism fair, and an exhibition showcasing the diverse traditions of the northwest region.
