Two more national intangible cultural heritages announced

The Hoang Sa (Paracel) Soldier Feast and Commemoration Festival is held annually by 13 families in Ly Son islands, central Quang Ngai province, on the nineteenth day of the lunar third month. It is significant  event in the spiritual life of coastal and island residents over hundreds of years as it pays tribute to local men who enlisted in the Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) Flotilla to undertake initial demarcation jobs in order to affirm Viet Nam’s sovereignty in the East Sea.

A ceremony will take place on April 28 in Ly Son island district, Quang Ngai province, to receive the Certificate of National Intangible Cultural Heritage for the festival.

The Chamrieng Chapey Art of the Khmer is a unique age-old intangible cultural form featuring the Khmer’s cultural identities. ‘Chamrieng’ means vocals while ‘chapey’ means a long-necked lute. When performing, the artisans play chapey and sing their own words about certain prepared topics. The vocals are not only composed in advance, but also improvised by artisans while performing.

The MCST announced the list of national intangible cultural heritage (stage 1) in December 27, 2012, which included 33 intangible cultural heritages.

By Ngoc Van