The salty taste of the sea in the mountain town.

With the participation of an art troupe from Phu Yen province, the series of cultural and artistic activities organized by the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Dak Lak province in Buon Ma Thuot city during the recent April 30th and May 1st holidays created a deep bond between the two provinces and regions, two lands that seem geographically distant but are close together through human connection, culture, and aspirations for development.

Immersed in the proud atmosphere of the historic April, Buon Ma Thuot City became a gathering place for vibrant cultural colors. Activities ranging from art performances and culinary experiences to OCOP product displays and folk games offered locals and tourists a truly meaningful festival, deeply rooted in national pride and regional solidarity.

Among them, the area where the Bài Chòi folk game is held in Phu Yen province particularly attracts attention. Bài Chòi is a unique form of folk art, combining music , poetry, and performance, and has been recognized by UNESCO as a representative intangible cultural heritage of humanity. The traditional bamboo huts, the chanted verses interspersed with the witty folk melodies of the "caller," provide an experience that is both joyful and poignant.

The area where the traditional Bài Chòi folk game is played in Phu Yen province attracts a large number of participants.

Ms. Bui Thi Duyen (Ea Tam ward, Buon Ma Thuot city) shared: “I had heard of Bai Choi but never had the chance to participate. I didn't expect it to be so fun and engaging. I really hope this game will be organized more often here.”

For Ms. Doan Thi Anh Nguyet (Tan Tien Ward, Buon Ma Thuot City), it was a flood of memories. Having been away from her hometown for over 15 years, she was deeply moved to see a booth playing Bài Chòi (a traditional Vietnamese card game) as part of a cultural event. The chanting of the cards, the folk songs, the hand-painted cards… all transported her back to her childhood years in her familiar hometown of Phu Yen. “I vividly remember those moonlit nights, when the whole village gathered in the village square to play Bài Chòi, adults and children laughing together,” Ms. Nguyet reminisced. For her, Bài Chòi is not simply a folk game, but a part of her cherished memories of her hometown. The Bài Chòi booth in the heart of the mountain city made her feel like she was rediscovering a part of her homeland, a place filled with familiar sounds and colors.

Besides the performances of traditional musical instruments and singing and dancing by actors and artists from Dak Lak and Phu Yen provinces, the culinary demonstration of tuna fillet – a famous specialty of Phu Yen's coastal region – also impressed visitors. Right on stage, chefs from the Phu Yen Chefs Association skillfully showcased their masterful techniques, transforming each slice of fresh fish into a true culinary art performance. "We brought to Dak Lak not only the specialty but also the spirit and story of our coastal homeland," chef Nguyen Manh Thuat expressed.

The festival's atmosphere was a harmonious blend of cuisine, music, performing arts, and the hospitality of both regions. Stone xylophone performer Le My Phung emotionally stated, "I am very proud to bring the music of Phu Yen to the Central Highlands. It's not just a performance; it's an opportunity for me to share the spirit of my homeland with the audience in Dak Lak."

Tourists were delighted by the performance of stone xylophones by artisans from Phu Yen province.

Amidst the vibrant and lively atmosphere, many people had the opportunity to experience unique and novel cultural activities for the first time. Ms. Nguyen Thi Kieu Minh, a teacher at Buon Ma Thuot High School, shared that what impressed her most was the way the cultural values ​​of the two localities were harmoniously and vividly connected. This was not only an entertainment playground for adults but also a valuable opportunity for students to access traditional cultural values, thereby fostering love and pride in their homeland.

Beyond just performances, these cultural activities also open up practical avenues for collaboration between the two localities, from tourism to trade, all based on local culture and a spirit of regional cooperation.

According to Mr. Nguyen Le Vu, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Phu Yen province, participating in the event in Dak Lak not only helps Phu Yen province showcase its cultural and culinary beauty but also promotes its unique tourist destinations; contributing to attracting tourists during the summer of 2025.

The series of activities offered the public experiences rich in the unique characteristics of the two provinces, not only creating a vibrant atmosphere during the April 30th and May 1st holidays but also conveying a message of unity and collaborative development. When the mountains and the sea harmonize, culture becomes the strongest bridge – connecting the past with the present, connecting lands and connecting hearts.

Source: https://baodaklak.vn/van-hoa-du-lich-van-hoc-nghe-thuat/202505/man-moi-vi-bien-noi-pho-nui-94f183b/