Unique kites

The festival includes a variety of programs and activities such as kite exhibitions, kite-making experiences at Tu Tuong Park, and kite-flying art performances at Ngo Mon Square and Thuan An Beach, with the participation of domestic and international kite clubs: Golden Kite Restaurant Club (Nam Dinh), Phoenix Art Kite Club, Sunflower Kite Club ( Ho Chi Minh City), Hue kite artisans group, and especially the participation of artisans from 3 ASEAN countries: Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand, promising to bring many exciting experiences to the audience.

In Thailand, kite flying is considered both a sport and a cultural heritage. Historically, Thais used kites as a means of transporting goods between cities; during the Sukhothai dynasty, kite flying became so popular that it was incorporated into Thai literature, and in 1358, the king issued a ban on kite flying near the palace due to the public's excessive enthusiasm.

A unique aspect of Thai kite culture is the aerial "kite battles." Thai kites are divided into two types, male (Chula) and female (Pakpao); "Chula" kites are 8.5 feet long, strong, and sturdy with three sets of bamboo teeth; "Pakpao" kites are slender and graceful, only 35 inches long, with a long tail capable of constricting opponents. Male kites compete to catch the most "Pakpao" kites into their territory, while female kites try to defeat as many "Chula" kites as possible.

Representing Thailand at this year's International Kite Festival is the Skyline Kite Team, a club with 20 active members experienced in using various types of kites such as single-string kites, double-string kites, quadruple-string kites, and zero-wind kites, with a specialization in sports kites. The founders of Skyline Kite were members of Thailand's first kite club, Sanook Sky.

In Malaysia, kite flying is also very popular, especially in the rural areas of northwestern Kedah, Perlis, and Kelantan, influenced by Chinese culture. Traditional Malaysian kites include Wau Kucing, Wau Jala Budi, and most famously, Wau Bulan (moon kite), originating from Kelantan. These kites are made of paper with bamboo frames, decorated with vibrant floral and leaf motifs, and can cost up to 400-500 ringgit (approximately 2.7 million Vietnamese dong). They take two to three weeks to complete. Wau Bulan is a cultural symbol of the country and is used as the logo of Malaysia Airlines. This summer 2023, the Majlis Pelayang International Kite Association (MPM) Malaysia will bring beautiful and colorful Wau Bulan kites to Hue .

In Singapore, kite flying is also a very vibrant and exciting activity, with the Singapore Kite Association (SKA) established in 1982. In this country, you have many choices of locations to fly kites, such as Marina Barrage, St. John/Lazarus Island, Punggol Waterway Park, East Coast Park, Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, West Coast Park, and more.

Representing Singapore at this year's International Kite Festival is female kite artist Gadis Widiyati Riyadi. With over 30 years of experience, she has organized numerous creative workshops and participated in International Kite Festivals across Asia, Europe, and Africa. She has also collaborated with the SKA (Singapore Kite Association) to organize the International Kite Festival in Singapore and supported the organization of International Kite Festivals in Southeast Asia, as well as Qatar and Abu Dhabi. Widiyati also conducts workshops on kite flying at universities in her home country.

Source: https://baothuathienhue.vn/van-hoa-nghe-thuat/thong-tin-van-hoa/doc-dao-nhung-canh-dieu-128663.html