Mr. Nông Quốc Thành, Deputy Director of the Department of Cultural Heritage, presented the registration certificate for the national intangible cultural heritage of the "Xen Đong" festival

Muong Lo - Nghia Lo is proud to be a cultural hub of the Northwest, rich in unique cultural heritage that enhances the identity of Vietnam. It is especially renowned for the Thai Xoe, which has been recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity.

The Thai community, along with all ethnic groups in Nghia Lo, is particularly delighted and proud that the "Xen Đong" festival (forest worship) has been included in the National Intangible Cultural Heritage List, according to Decision No. 2319/QĐ-BVHTTDL dated August 9, 2024, by the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

The "Xen Đong" festival is a significant event for the Black Thai community, held annually to pay homage to deities, pray for favorable weather, bountiful harvests, peaceful villages, and the prosperity and happiness of the people. The festival has been preserved through generations and takes place at the beginning of spring.

The "Xen Đong" festival consists of two parts: the ritual offering to the forest spirit and the festivities, which include cultural activities such as Xoe dance, Khắp singing, bamboo pole dancing, musical performances, and traditional games. It also serves as an occasion to promote forest conservation, maintain water resources, and ensure ecological balance, all aimed at sustainable environmental protection.

The festival holds profound humanitarian significance, contributing to the preservation of the Thai ethnic cultural identity, educating the awareness of nature conservation, and spreading unique traditional cultural values. Recognized as an intangible cultural heritage, "Xen Đong" continues to inspire the preservation of traditional ethnic culture and the protection of ecological environments.

During the ceremony, the leader of the Department of Cultural Heritage from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism presented the registration certificate for the "Xen Đong" festival of the Thai people in Nghia Lo Town, Yen Bai Province, to the leaders of the Yen Bai Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the People's Committee of Nghia Lộ Town.

To promote the value of the heritage, the People's Committee of Nghia Lo Town will continue to implement practical activities to enhance and practice the heritage. Accordingly, the town will intensify efforts to disseminate and promote the "Xen Đong" festival in connection with developing community cultural tourism.

It will also continue to support and create conditions for the Thai community to organize and teach the festival, preserving traditional rituals. The role of the community in safeguarding and protecting the heritage will be emphasized, especially among the younger generation, ensuring that this beautiful cultural tradition is passed down for generations to come.