Van Ban: Announcing the decision to recognize national intangible cultural heritage

On the evening of August 29, the People's Committee of Van Ban commune held a ceremony to announce the decision to recognize the National Intangible Cultural Heritage of the New Rice Festival of the Xa Pho people and the Opening of the Cultural and Sports Festival of Ethnic Groups of Van Ban commune in 2025.

Welcome performance at the ceremony.

This is a key activity to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day September 2; to welcome the Van Ban Commune Party Congress for the 2025-2030 term and to respond to the Red River Festival Program in 2025.

Delegates perform the flag salute ceremony at the ceremony.

Delegates attending the ceremony.

Attending the program were comrades: Pham Toan Thang - Member of the Standing Committee, Head of the Provincial Party Committee's Organization Committee; Duong Duc Huy - Member of the Standing Committee, Head of the Provincial Party Committee's Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Committee; Nguyen Minh Toan - Member of the Standing Committee, Chairman of the Provincial Party Committee's Inspection Committee; Nguyen Thanh Sinh - Member of the Provincial Party Committee, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee; leaders of a number of departments and branches of Lao Cai province; local authorities and a large number of people from communes in Van Ban area.

The ceremony to award the National Intangible Cultural Heritage certificate was solemnly held.

At the ceremony, Decision No. 2195 dated June 27, 2025 of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism was announced, recognizing the traditional New Rice Festival of the Xa Pho people in the communes of Chieng Ken, Duong Quy, Vo Lao, and Van Ban as a national intangible cultural heritage.

For the Xa Pho community, "New Rice Festival" is not only an important ritual in spiritual life but also a bridge connecting the community, expressing gratitude to heaven, earth, ancestors and the desire for a bountiful harvest, a prosperous and happy life.

Also within the framework of the program, the 2025 Van Ban Commune Ethnic Culture and Sports Festival officially opened.

Performances at the ceremony.

Leaders attended the ceremony.

Taking place on August 29 and 30, 2025, the Festival brings together 12 mass art troupes and athlete teams, including 6 men's volleyball teams from communes in the area, with a total of about 1,200 actors and athletes participating.

In addition, 33 booths introducing local products were also set up, providing a space for exchange, learning and sharing experiences in cultural, artistic and sports activities. This festival not only creates opportunities to improve the material and spiritual life of the ethnic people of Van Ban commune, but also contributes to preserving and developing the movement of physical education, sports, and mass arts, maintaining the national cultural identity.

On this occasion, the People's Committee of Van Ban commune presented souvenir flags to representatives of the actors and athletes from 40 villages and 6 neighboring communes participating in the Festival program ( photo above ).

After the solemn ceremony, the festival program took place in a lively atmosphere, leaving a strong impression on the audience and visitors. The special art program with the theme "Celebrating the country" brought many elaborately staged performances, imbued with national cultural identity.

In particular, the brilliant fireworks display to celebrate the announcement ceremony of the decision and the 2025 Van Ban Commune Ethnic Culture and Sports Festival made the atmosphere even more exciting. Although the weather was not favorable with light rain, the program still attracted a large number of people to participate, watch and wait with deep pride.

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/van-ban-cong-bo-quyet-dinh-cong-nhan-di-san-van-hoa-phi-vat-the-cap-quoc-gia-post880848.html