A decade of protecting and promoting the UNESCO Heritage of tug-of-war rituals and games

On the afternoon of November 15, in Hanoi, the international conference "A decade of protecting and promoting tug-of-war rituals" took place with the participation of many delegates, scientists , international guests, artisans and tug-of-war heritage practicing communities from several localities.

The event was organized by the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports in coordination with the People's Committee of Long Bien Ward and the Vietnam Cultural Heritage Association within the framework of the Thang Long-Hanoi Festival 2025.

In her opening speech, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports Le Thi Anh Mai affirmed that the international conference “A decade of protecting and promoting tug-of-war rituals and games” is an event of special significance, on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of tug-of-war rituals and games being recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity (2015-2025).

According to Ms. Le Thi Anh Mai, the tug-of-war ritual and game is a unique cultural practice, formed by the agricultural community, to reflect the wish for favorable weather and good crops.

In Vietnam, tug of war has become an indispensable part of the cultural life of the community, preserved and passed down through many generations, carrying with it the spirit of solidarity, strength and joy of the village festival.

Exactly 10 years ago, on December 2, 2015, at the session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO in Namibia, the tug-of-war rituals and games of Vietnam, Cambodia, Korea and the Philippines were honored as Representative Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This is not only the common pride of the countries in the multinational dossier, but also a great source of encouragement for the heritage practice communities in Vietnam in particular.

After 10 years of being listed, the communities practicing the Tug of War Rituals and Games heritage in Hanoi as well as the tug of war communities in the provinces of Bac Ninh, Phu Tho, Lao Cai, Hung Yen, Ninh Binh... have continuously protected, promoted and disseminated the heritage value. The heritage is regularly practiced, introduced and promoted in the community; teaching activities for the younger generation are given attention and focus; many localities have proactively connected and exchanged between tug of war communities in the country to create a living heritage network.

The ritual and practice of the sitting tug-of-war game at Tran Vu Temple attracts many people to attend and cheer. (Photo: Thanh Tung/VNA)

In particular, Vietnam has identified and recognized four new communities practicing the Tug of War Ritual and Games heritage, contributing to enriching the national heritage picture. Along with that, the international connection between Vietnam and Korea, Cambodia, and the Philippines has opened up a wide space for cultural exchange, connecting communities, honoring and diversifying cultural identities, strengthening friendship between nations, fostering peace, cooperation and sustainable development in the region.

Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports Le Thi Anh Mai said that this international conference is an important forum for us to look back on a decade of protecting and promoting the Heritage of rituals and tug-of-war games, to exchange and share experiences, evaluate the results achieved, difficulties, challenges and orientation for cooperation in the new period.

At the same time, the workshop is an opportunity to seek and propose useful solutions, contributing to the continued strong spread of the Heritage of rituals and tug-of-war games in contemporary life, affirming the role of culture in connecting communities and building peace and cooperation between nations...

According to Dr. Le Thi Minh Ly, Vice President of the Vietnam Cultural Heritage Association, tug-of-war communities in Vietnam have had impressive results in protecting and promoting the heritage over the past 10 years, since it was inscribed.

From only 6 communities included in the profile in 2015, 4 more communities have been discovered, researched and will be proposed for addition. Over the past 10 years, the Vietnamese tug-of-war heritage community has grown and developed, spreading its values, brands and positive meanings in life.

The Sitting Tug of War Community in Thach Ban (Long Bien, Hanoi) has truly become the center of successful connection of domestic and international tug of war communities with the direction and active support of the local government, the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports, the Vietnam Cultural Heritage Association and the Center for Research and Promotion of Cultural Heritage Values (CCH).

Dr. Le Thi Minh Ly said that the establishment of the Vietnam Tug of War Heritage Community Network Club is a typical example of the connection and sustainability of Vietnamese tug of war. This network reflects the spirit of the 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, which is to promote respect for cultural diversity, enhance dialogue between communities and protect intangible cultural heritage as a foundation for peace and sustainable development.

At the workshop, representatives of heritage practicing communities also shared stories about the heritage 10 years after being honored by UNESCO.

Ritual and practice of sitting tug of war game at Tran Vu Temple. (Photo: Thanh Tung/VNA)

Mr. Ngo Quang Khai, Head of the Tran Vu Temple Management Subcommittee, Long Bien Ward (Hanoi), where the Sitting Tug of War Heritage is practiced, shared that 10 years after being honored by UNESCO, the sitting tug of war ritual and game at Tran Vu Temple is still preserved, practiced and strongly spread by the community. That heritage is not only the pride of Long Bien people, but also a vivid proof of the spirit of "living heritage", where the community is the subject - the preserver, creator and transmission of values through many generations.

Delegates attending the workshop also heard many opinions from domestic and international scientists and cultural experts sharing their experiences in protecting and promoting the values of the Representative Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity “Tug of War Rituals and Games” in localities in Vietnam, in the communities of Korea, Cambodia, Singapore; achievements and challenges in cooperation and community exchange after being recognized as a Representative Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity; plans to develop the cultural values - creative content of the tug of war festival in the country and in the communities of countries with the honored heritage.../.

(TTXVN/Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/mot-thap-ky-bao-ve-va-phat-huy-di-san-unesco-nghi-le-va-tro-choi-keo-co-post1077165.vnp