Lullaby performance by Phu Huu commune unit.
“Homeland Melodies - Phu Huu Tributes to Uncle Ho” was the theme of the Phu Huu commune's entry at this festival. Using familiar folk melodies such as Ly Trong Chau, Lullabies, and Ly Qua Keu, the performers presented an engaging and distinctive performance. Notably, the program promoted Phu Huu's pomelo specialty and local potential. A highlight of the program was My Huong's very emotional lullaby performance, conveying the depth of the heritage.
Cai Khe Ward participated in the festival with a program of four performances themed "The Soul of the Homeland in the New Flow." Indeed, through songs like "Ly Dua Ong," "Ly Ao Va Quang," "Ly Chim Quyen," and "Ly Qua Keu," the program showcased the unique characteristics of Southern Vietnamese folk music in modern life, full of appeal when performed and modernized. Following the same theme, Binh Thuy Ward chose the theme "Binh Thuy - Connecting the Soul of the Past, Building a New Day," consisting of four meticulously staged, artistic, and vibrant performances.
This is the first year the Southern Folk Song Festival of Can Tho City has been held, following the merger and implementation of the two-tiered local model. Although many participating units lacked experience, they were still enthusiastic about competing and creating highlights at the festival. The units focused on promoting the beauty of their homeland and people, and their belief in the overall development of the city.
It's noteworthy that most of the contestants this year are very young, showing that new talent is being discovered and developed in the preservation of traditional music heritage. These include My Hanh, My Huong, Hai Dang, Anh Duy, Hong Truc… who possess smooth voices, a deep understanding of folk music characteristics, and stage performance skills. Actress Hong Truc (Binh Thuy ward) said: “Singing folk and traditional music is my forte and my joy. I'm also very happy that at the festival, there are many young people who are very passionate and skilled in their craft.”
Southern Vietnamese folk songs are one of the unique forms of folk performance, closely associated with the working life, production, and spiritual life of the people, contributing to nurturing the soul of the people of the South. Each type has its own distinctive forms, artistic values, and performance styles. In Can Tho City, research and collection show that folk song forms are very rich, diverse, and have their own characteristics. Many types have been included in the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, such as lullabies of the Vietnamese people in Can Tho, Can Tho folk songs, and Aday songs of the Khmer people in Xa Phien commune...
Mr. Nguyen Minh Tuan, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Can Tho City, said: "In recent years, the art form of Southern Vietnamese folk music and singing has always been a focus of Can Tho City's attention and development through various artistic activities and preservation and promotion solutions. Among these, the Southern Vietnamese Folk Music and Singing Festival, organized every two years by the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Can Tho City, aims to continue introducing and promoting the folk melodies and traditional musical instruments of Southern Vietnam."
This year's festival features over 300 musicians and performers competing in 64 performances, including 20 by independent contestants. “The festival is an opportunity for amateur artists and performers to interact, exchange expertise, and encourage the movement of playing and singing Southern Vietnamese folk songs throughout the city. At the same time, this is a practical activity contributing to the preservation and promotion of the cultural values of ethnic minorities, folk art, and traditional art in accordance with Resolution No. 80-NQ/TW of the Politburo on the development of Vietnamese culture,” Mr. Nguyen Minh Tuan emphasized.
The 2026 Southern Folk Song Festival in Can Tho City not only spreads melodies imbued with the spirit of the countryside but also affirms the enduring vitality of this heritage in modern life. The enthusiastic participation of many young artisans and performers shows that Southern folk songs are being continued, preserved, and promoted with a love for the culture of their homeland.
Text and photos: DANG HUYNH
Source: https://baocantho.com.vn/ngot-ngao-giai-dieu-dan-hat-dan-ca-a204998.html
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