• The unique festival traditions of ethnic groups – A valuable resource for tourism in Ca Mau.
  • We propose adding specific policies for ethnic minority regions and vulnerable groups.
  • Persistently preserving the soul of national art.

In Vinh Loc hamlet, Phuoc Long commune, it's easy to spot young Khmer men diligently practicing and preparing for the Ngo boat race, a vibrant and colorful traditional festival of this region. For the Khmer people, the Ngo boat race is not just a sport , but also a symbol of strength, faith, and community solidarity.

For many years, Mr. Nguyen Hong Khanh, the Party Secretary of the hamlet and a passionate Khmer man, has quietly contributed his efforts alongside the villagers and monks to maintain the traditional Ngo boat racing team.

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

“I do this out of passion, out of love for my people. The Ngo boat is not just a boat, but the soul, the pride of us Khmer people,” Mr. Khanh shared, his eyes shining with joy whenever he mentioned the lively festivals filled with drums and cheers. Thanks to this dedication and unity, the Vinh Loc Ngo boat team not only participates in major festivals of the province, but also represents Ca Mau in many regional competitions, carrying the pride of the southernmost region of the country.

The space where artisans prepare their Ngo boats at Dia Muong Pagoda, Phuoc Long commune.

Also deeply concerned with preserving national identity, Mr. Thach Van Tan, Chief of the Party Committee Office of Khanh Binh commune, a dedicated Khmer man, has spent many years pondering the preservation of Du Ke art, a distinctive folk theater form of his ethnic group. For him, Du Ke is not just a performance, but also the voice and soul of many generations.

Mr. Thach Van Tan is researching the list of artisans who can teach the Du Ke art form within the ethnic minority community.

Upon hearing the news that Ca Mau province plans to preserve and promote the value of Du Ke art in 2026, he couldn't hide his emotion: "As a Khmer person, I am truly delighted. I hope Du Ke will be revived, so that the younger generation can continue the tradition, and so that the sound of the drums and songs will forever remain in the hearts of the people of my homeland."

For the Khmer people, culture is not only present in festivals, but also in the way of life and moral values ​​deeply ingrained in each family. On every major holiday, people go to the pagoda to offer food and light incense to remember their ancestors; these simple rituals are full of filial piety and affection.

The Khmer people have always preserved the custom of offering rice to the pagoda as a way of showing filial piety and connection to their roots.

“ The rituals of offering rice, praying for peace, and praying for the souls of the deceased not only demonstrate filial piety but also unite the community and remind each person of their national roots,” shared Ms. Thach Thi Huong, Deputy Head of the Culture Department of Khanh Binh commune.

Amidst the modern pace of life, where urbanization and technology are changing every aspect of existence, the Khmer people in Ca Mau still choose to preserve their national spirit through a sincere love for their traditional culture. From the golden roofs of temples bathed in sunlight, the resounding sound of the Du Ke drums echoing through the villages, to the Ngo boats gliding across the waves during festivals, everything blends together into a symphony of pride and aspiration for progress.

It is thanks to these quiet efforts that Khmer culture has not only been preserved but has also spread widely, contributing to the vibrant cultural tapestry of Ca Mau today.

Nguyen Dao - Hoang Vu

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