YBO - Yen Bai authorities on December 23 held a grand ceremony to announce and hand over national intangible cultural heritage certificates for the arts of Khen (panpipe) and of creating decorative patterns on fabric using beeswax by the Mong ethnic people in three districts, namely Mu Cang Chai, Tram Tau, and Van Chan.

Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Hoang Dao Cuong presents the national intangible cultural heritage certificates for the arts of Khen (pictured above) and of creating beeswax patterns on fabric by Mong people (pictured below) in the districts of Mu Cang Chai, Tram Tau, and Van Chan.

The recognitions aim to honour outstanding cultural values of the community, raise awareness about the arts, and arouse a sense of pride toward preserving and promoting their values.

The ceremony featured a three-chapter art programme performed by troupes from Hanoi and Yen Bai as well as nearly 2,000 artisans, amateur actors and children from Mu Cang Chai, leaving a deep impression on the audiences.

The event also kicked off the 2023 Khen and To Day Flower Festival, set to treat visitors to a Mong ethnic cultural space and a wet market opening from December 22 to 24, a Khen contest, and a paragliding event over the Khau Pha pass.

As part of the festival, there are booths showcasing products under the "One Commune, One Product" (OCOP) programme, which include distinctive agricultural specialties of ethnic groups in Mu Cang Chai, Tram Tau, and Van Chan. Visitors also have an opportunity to immerse themselves in the vibrant pink space of blooming To Day flowers.

The traditional art of creating intricate patterns on fabric using beeswax, a craft mastered by Mong people, is vividly showcased on the stage.

A resplendent imagery of To Day flowers depicted on stage.

A portrayal of an enduring bond between Mong people and their traditional musical instrument Khen.

Trang Van