Tet Xua Lang Co aims to promote the history, culture, and tourism of Dong Son ancient village. - VNA/VNS
THANH HOA: One of the most beautiful ancient villages in Vietnam, Dong Son Village in the central province of Thanh Hoa, is vibrant with a festive atmosphere and a variety of cultural activities to welcome the Tet (Lunar New Year) Festival.
They are held within the Tet Xua Lang Co (Traditional Tet in the Ancient Village) Programme, which was celebrated for a second time by Thanh Hoa City.
The highlight of the programme is the re-enactment of the traditional Tet market showcasing the local agriculture and food delicacies like chao luon (eel porridge), xoi ngu sac (five-colour sticky rice) and banh duc (Vietnamese steamed rice cake).
Festival-goers can also join in many folk games such as blindfolded pot hitting, bamboo pole dance, cockfighting, blindfolded duck catching and tug of war.
Those who are interested in photography and history can take photos at check-in points set up along the historical sites and alleys within the ancient village, as well as visit Dong Son Cultural Relic Site, Tien Son Cave and a 2,000-year-old well.
According to Le Thi Thanh, the chairwoman of the People's Committee of Ham Rong Ward, where the village is located, Tet Xua Lang Co aims to promote the history, culture, and tourism of the locality to domestic and international visitors.
“Through this event, the organisers also aim to educate future generations about the traditional Tet customs passed down from our ancestors. We hope to instill a sense of pride and responsibility in preserving and promoting the cultural values of Dong Son Ancient Village,” she added.
Located about 148km from Hanoi, Dong Son Ancient Village has a history spanning thousands of years and is closely associated with archaeological sites where the renowned Dong Son Culture, a significant cultural and civilised society in South-East Asia and the world, was discovered.
Despite ups and downs throughout history, the village has managed to preserve its cultural values with the distinct characteristics of a rural village in the north central region of Vietnam.
It is attractive to visitors for its peaceful beauty, historical architecture, and archaeological relics.
In 2013, the Government approved a decision on the overall planning for preserving, restoring and promoting the value of Ham Rong historical and cultural relic complex, including the ancient village of Dong Son in Thanh Hoa.
In June 2020, the chairman of the People's Committee of Thanh Hoa Province approved the outline of the Project for Researching the Conservation and Promotion of the Value of Dong Son Ancient Village.
The project provides directions and expectations for developing the village into an attractive destination for Thanh Hoa City specifically and the province as a whole in the future.
Tet Xua Lang Co will run until Feb 14 or the fifth day of the first lunar month. - Vietnam News/ANN
