The eighth Northeastern Ethnic Group Culture, Sport and Tourism Festival officially began on September 27 with an opening ceremony on the theme ‘Northeastern Vietnam – A Beautiful and Sacred Land’ at Tan Quang Park, Tuyen Quang province. The opening ceremony was attended by Member of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee (CPVCC) and Deputy Head of the CPVCC Commission for Organization Tran Luu Hai, Deputy Head of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for Publicity and Education Truong Minh Tuan and representatives from ministries and central agencies, as well as delegates from provinces in the region. The event also attracted 1,000 actors, artisans and athletes from provinces in the region, including Bac Kan, Giang, Ha Giang, Lang Son, Thai Nguyen, Quang Ninh, Phu Tho, and Vinh Phuc. This year’s festival is taking place in Tuyen Quang September 27-30, featuring a wide range of cultural and sporting events including the Tuyen Quang Beauty Contest, the ‘Cultural Colours of Northeastern Ethnic Groups’ photography exhibition, and the 2012 Tuyen Quang Trade and Tourism fair. A number of activities and art performances showcasing traditional customs, food, costumes, folk games and sports will also be held during the festival. The event, jointly organised by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Tuyen Quang provincial People’s Committee, aims to promote tourism and the beautiful landscape of Tuyen Quang, as well as the cultural identities of ethnic groups in the province and northeastern Vietnam. (nhandan.org.vn Sept 28)
