To celebrate the 8th anniversary of Central Vietnamese Bài Chòi art being recognized by UNESCO as a Representative Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, Hoi An will organize an art exchange night titled “Bài Chòi - A Thousand Years of Rhythm Still Resounding” at 7 PM on December 7, 2025, at the An Hoi roundabout.
The Bài Chòi singing performance at the An Hội roundabout has become one of the characteristic cultural and tourism activities and products. Photo: Hoi An Heritage Conservation Center.
The program offers a rustic and intimate performance space where the community and tourists can interact and immerse themselves in the lively melodies and witty call-and-response of Hoi An Bài Chòi.
Amidst the tranquil atmosphere of the ancient town, the sounds of clappers, drums, and the simple melodies of Bài Chòi seem to have become an indispensable part of Hoi An's cultural life.
Over the years, Hoi An has always focused on preserving and promoting the value of the Bài Chòi art heritage. Teaching activities are organized within the school environment.
The artisans – those with a deep understanding of traditional singing and chanting – directly visit primary and secondary schools to guide students in the basic skills of this performing art form: how to tap the clappers, maintain the rhythm, chant, and pronounce words correctly in the Bài Chòi style… From there, the students not only naturally acquire knowledge of the heritage but are also inspired to love and be proud of the folk art of their homeland.
Hoi An also organizes training classes for the next generation of young people, those who are passionate about Bài Chòi and wish to continue pursuing the craft. This is an important force in maintaining Bài Chòi as a living heritage.
If teaching is the "root," then performance is how Hoi An helps Bài Chòi spread strongly in daily life. Every evening, at the An Hoi roundabout, artisans from the Hoi An World Cultural Heritage Conservation Center regularly organize Bài Chòi performances for tourists.
The open, cozy performance space allows visitors to easily immerse themselves in the folk rhythms. The artists sing, tell stories, and improvise flexibly according to the context, creating joyful and intimate moments.
The traditional Bài Chòi card game format is preserved, allowing visitors to fully experience the spirit of this Central Vietnamese folk game.
Hearty laughter, suspenseful moments waiting for names to be called, and endless applause... these are all testaments to the appeal of this art form when placed in the setting of Hoi An ancient town. To this day, the folk game of Bài Chòi singing has become a unique cultural and tourism product in Hoi An ancient town.
The traditional Bài Chòi card game format is preserved, allowing visitors to fully experience the spirit of this folk game. Photo: Hoi An Center for Conservation of Cultural Heritage.
During cultural exchange events and festivals, Bài Chòi performances are also included in art programs to promote and showcase the beauty of this heritage.
It can be said that Bài Chòi art in Hoi An is not only a folk game imbued with a strong sense of community, but also a living heritage, preserved and nurtured every day by people who love their craft and are dedicated to the local culture.
Source: https://congluan.vn/bai-choi-di-san-song-cua-hoi-an-10321733.html
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