At Mường Lò tourism week, a focus on tradition

YEN BAI — Yen Bai Province’s Muong Lo Culture and Tourism Week 2016 in Nghia Lo started Thursday and will run through Monday September 19. 

Organized by the province’s People’s Committee, the week is part of ongoing co-operation between Yen Bai and seven other northwestern provinces in celebration of the 45th anniversary of the establishment of Nghia Lo Town. The provinces also hope to attract more visitors to Yen Bai Province and to increase public awareness around preserving cultural values.

According to Hoang Thi Hanh, vice chairwoman of the town’s People’s Committee, various activities will take place during the week, including competitions and performances of traditional sports, a cultural festival of Thai ethnic folk arts, street performances entitled Colorful Northwest region, ritual ceremonies and traditional performances.

In addition, the organisational board also hopes to introduce visitors to the traditional cultures of the local ethnic minorities, through chances to observe locals picking and drying tea leaves, to sample Shan Tuyet tea and steamed sticky rice—two local specialties,—and to witness on-site tour guide competitions and photo exhibitions at the Memorial to President Ho Chi Minh.

At the opening ceremony for Muong Lo Culture and Tourism Week 2016, which takes place at 8pm tonight at the stadium in Nghia Lo Town, Thai ethnic minority members in Nghia Lo Town will be honoured with the National Recognition of Intangible Cultural Heritage for their Han Khuong traditional performance. — VNS