THAI NGUYEN (VNS)— The final round of the 2013 Viet Nam folk song festival kicked off in the mountainous northern province on Saturday.

Veteran masters and amateur singers from 12 provinces performed their unique styles of folk singing and dancing. The performances featured unique lyrics and tunes that reflected the distinctive cultures of these ethnic people.

The festival aims to preserve and promote this aspect of traditional culture. The most outstanding pieces will be performed at the National Folk Song Festival finals in May.

The event was organised by Viet Nam Television in co-ordination with the provincial authorities.-VNS