• Festival identity of ethnic groups - Valuable resources for tourism in Ca Mau
  • Proposal to supplement specific policies for ethnic minority areas and disadvantaged groups
  • Persistently preserving the soul of national art

Coming to Vinh Loc hamlet, Phuoc Long commune, it is easy to see the image of Khmer boys diligently practicing to prepare for the Ngo boat racing season, a unique festival, bustling with traditional colors of this land. For the Khmer people, Ngo boat racing is not only a sport , but also a symbol of strength, faith and community solidarity.

For many years, Mr. Nguyen Hong Khanh, the Hamlet Party Secretary, an enthusiastic Khmer man, has quietly contributed his efforts and efforts with the villagers and monks to maintain the traditional Ngo boat racing team.

Mr. Nguyen Hong Khanh said he is always dedicated to maintaining the Ngo boat racing team because of his passion for this traditional sport.

“I do it because of my passion, because of my love for my people. The Ngo boat is not just a boat, but the soul and pride of us Khmer people,” Mr. Khanh shared, his eyes shining with joy every time he mentioned the festival seasons filled with the sound of drums and cheers. Thanks to that solidarity and unity, the Ngo boat team in Vinh Loc not only participates in the province’s major festivals, but also represents Ca Mau in many regional competitions, bringing with it the pride of the southernmost land of the Fatherland.

Ngo boat preparation space of artisans at Dia Muong pagoda, Phuoc Long commune.

Also deeply concerned with preserving national identity, Mr. Thach Van Tan, Chief of the Khanh Binh Commune Party Committee Office, a dedicated Khmer son, has spent many years struggling to preserve the Du Ke art, a typical folk theater form of his people. For him, Du Ke is not only a performance, but also the voice and soul of many generations.

Mr. Thach Van Tan researched the list of artisans who can teach the art of Umbrella in the ethnic community.

When he heard that Ca Mau province had a plan to preserve and promote the artistic value of Du Ke in 2026, he could not hide his emotion: “As a Khmer, I am truly happy. I hope that Du Ke will be revived, so that the younger generation can continue, so that the drum and singing sounds will remain forever in the hearts of the people of my hometown.”

For the Khmer people, culture is not only present in festivals, but also in the way of life and morality that is deeply ingrained in each family. On every major holiday, people go to the pagoda to offer rice and burn incense to remember their ancestors. The rituals are simple but full of filial piety and affection.

Khmer people always preserve the custom of offering rice to pagodas to show filial piety and respect for their roots.

“ The ritual of offering rice, praying for peace and salvation not only shows filial piety, but also connects the community, reminding each person of their national roots,” shared Ms. Thach Thi Huong, Deputy Head of the Culture Department of Khanh Binh Commune.

Amidst the new rhythm of life, when urbanization and technology are changing every way of life, the Khmer people in Ca Mau still choose to preserve the national soul with a sincere love for traditional culture. From the golden temple roof shining in the sun, the sound of Du Ke drums echoing between phum and soc, to the Ngo boat teams surfing the waves during the festival season, all blend into a symphony of pride and aspiration to rise up.

It is from these silent efforts that Khmer culture is not only preserved but also spread strongly, contributing to embellishing the diverse cultural picture of Ca Mau land today.

Nguyen Dao - Hoang Vu

Source: https://baocamau.vn/giu-lua-van-hoa-khmer-giua-nhip-song-hien-dai-a123890.html