The second Gong Festival of the Muong minority ethnic group opened in the northern mountainous province of Hoa Binh on November 16.

The opening ceremony. Photo: baodangcongsan.com.vn

The event is part of the activities to celebrate the 130th founding anniversary of the province and its 25 years of re-establishment.

The festival is witnessing performances by 300 artisans from 11 districts and cities in the province as well as Hoa Binh Tourism Company and its neighboring province of Thanh Hoa.

The event, which runs through to November 18, also features a traditional costume show and a street Muong gong parade with 1,600 gong local artisans.

The gong is a traditional musical instrument of the Muong minority ethnic people. It is often played during big festivals and holidays to pray for happiness and prosperity. It is also a means of communication with the spiritual world.

The gong of the Muong group in Hoa Binh was recognized as the National Intangible Cultural Heritage by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on January 19, 2016.

Source: VNA