Nominate the Van Dam Xuong Ly Fishing Festival as a national intangible cultural heritage

The Van Dam Xuong Ly Fishing Festival, held in Nhon Ly Commune, Quy Nhon City, is a long-standing traditional festival associated with the lives of fishermen in the coastal areas of Binh Dinh. This festival is not only a place for sightseeing and research but also a typical intangible cultural heritage space with rituals, singing and dancing, and Bai Choi activities.

The old folk song — Binh Dinh nominated the Van Dam Xuong Ly Fishing Festival as a national intangible cultural heritage.

Cultural researcher Nguyen Van Ngoc said that the Van Dam Xuong Ly Fishing Festival has existed for more than 200 years, associated with the process of establishing the village and bearing the characteristics of Binh Dinh. The festival reflects the space of fishing at sea and the beliefs of fishermen through many historical periods. Cultivated over many generations, the festival is an opportunity for the fishing community to exchange, share experiences and preserve cultural heritage.

The artisans and fishermen participating in the festival always respect and protect the heritage value, considering it a source of pride and responsibility for the fishing community. The festival has the meaning of educating the tradition of solidarity, love for the homeland, protecting the sea and islands and developing a sustainable economy. It also arouses patriotism and motivation for labor and production in the community.

Mr. Duong Van Thom, Chief of Van Dam Xuong Ly, shared that the road leading to Ong Nam Hai Mausoleum has stone steps, highlighted on both sides by rows of natural green trees of Don mountain forest. Ong Mausoleum is a place to preserve and worship Whale, a symbol of belief of Van Dam fishermen.

Every year, at Lang Ong Nam Hai - Van Dam Xuong Ly, fishing festivals take place with the participation of fishermen and tourists. Rituals of singing "Ba Trao" such as rowing boats, pulling nets, catching fish, swaying boats in the wind and waves... are unique features that are displayed and admired.

Vice Chairman of Binh Dinh Provincial People's Committee, Mr. Lam Hai Giang, said that the province has directed Quy Nhon City People's Committee to coordinate with the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism and related organizations and individuals to establish a scientific dossier on the Van Dam Xuong Ly Fishing Festival. This dossier has met the regulations and guidelines of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on inventorying and establishing dossiers of intangible cultural heritage.

Mr. Lam Hai Giang emphasized the importance of the historical and cultural values of the festival and the orientation for the protection and promotion of heritage values in the process of integration and sustainable development. The People's Committee of Binh Dinh province requested the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to consider and decide to include the Van Dam Xuong Ly Fishing Festival in the List of National Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Xuan Anh

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/de-cu-le-hoi-cau-ngu-van-dam-xuong-ly-la-di-san-van-hoa-phi-vat-the-quoc-gia-post303843.html