HA NOI — Some of the country's diverse ethnic cultures will be on show at a festival held tomorrow and Thursday in suburban Ha Noi.

The Viet Nam Ethnic Groups Cultural Festival features the participation of 13 ethnic groups from eight cities and provinces. Taking place at the Vietnamese Ethnic Groups Culture and Tourism Village in Dong Mo tourist area, 40km from the city centre, the festival's highlights include a gala night with the title of "Opportunities in the Year of the Dragon", featuring art performances by more than 300 amateur artists who come from ethnic groups, according to Lam Van Khang, chairman of the organising board.

The artistic director of the show, Nguyen Khac Phuc, said the performance would spotlight the cultural quintessence of ethnic groups throughout the country.

"Ethnic people will perform their own art forms and introduce their culture to the audience, and this is the best way to express their true-to-life values," Khang said.

"The stage will be arranged with symbols representing the diversified culture and solidarity of 54 groups in Viet Nam."

The gala night will be broadcast live by Radio Voice of Viet Nam (VOV) and Viet Nam Television (VTV) on Thursday.

The festival this year will be different from previous years thanks to markets selling traditional ethnic products.

The uniqueness of Vietnamese traditional culture was expressed clearly at markets and festivals, said Phuc.

"Many Vietnamese people, especially those who live in rural and mountainous areas, go to the market not for selling and buying only, but also to meet with friends and even to find partners," Phuc said.

"Visitors will have a chance to understand more about the ordinary life of ethnic people and their market-going culture."

About 20 stalls will showcase traditional trades and handicrafts of ethnic people, including pottery, copper art and paintings.

A preliminary conference to review the three years of implementing the Prime Minister's Decision on Viet Nam Ethnic Group Cultural Day (April 19) will be held during the festival along with a conference on promoting tourism, a market fair with products from mountainous regions, traditional craft village exhibition and traditional games, sports and entertainment.

The festival aims to help preserve ethnic culture and popularise products and services to tourists, honour the cultures of Vietnamese ethnic groups and boost cultural exchanges and national unity among ethnic minorities in Viet Nam. — VNS