Promoting cultural heritage of Xo Dang ethnic people in Kon Tum province

The competition featured 11 teams from 11 communes in the district. Each team, comprising about 25 participants of various ages, had to give a performance with five parts in no more than 35 minutes, featuring the traditional beauty of the Xo Dang ethnic people, the training and teaching of gong music, and the local efforts in preserving and promoting the cultural space of gong.

Gong music plays a significant role in the cultural life of the Xo Dang ethnic people.

The event also included reenactments of traditional rituals and festivals that showcase the distinctive cultural identity of the Xo Dang ethnic people. The teams performed gong music accompanied by xoang dances and traditional folk singing.

Performances of gong music and xoang dance

According to Vo Trung Manh, Chairman of the Tu Mo Rong District People’s Committee, the competition was one of five events organized by the district in response to the 5th Kon Tum Culture and Tourism Week and the 2nd Gong and Xoang Festival of Ethnic Minorities in Kon Tum Province in 2024. It also marked the 20th anniversary of Tu Mo Rong district’s establishment.

Traditional folk singing combined with gong performances

“Tu Mo Rong district is home to a Xo Dang population that makes up 95 percent of its residents, with a rich and unique cultural life. The district sees this heritage as a valuable treasure and has adopted various policies and solutions for its preservation and promotion. Particularly, we aim to link the cultural values of the Xo Dang ethnic people with tourism development to create jobs and improve incomes for the community,” emphasized Chairman Vo Trung Manh.

Translated by Trung Thanh