Exhibit says ’sovereignty rocks’

Visitors learn about the nation’s sovereignty over the Spratly Archipelago through an exhibition of “sovereignty rocks” and landmarks of the area.

The event is taking place at the Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism, Son Tay town in Hanoi during March.

The programme draws the participation of 11 ethnic communities, who will introduce visitors to their cultural practices, traditional songs and dances, as well as folk games.

Representatives from 11 cities and provinces, including Thai Nguyen, Ha Giang, Son La, Hoa Binh, Thua Thien – Hue, Ninh Thuan, and Soc Trang, will also participate in the programme.

A highlight of the event is an exhibition showcasing replicas of “sovereignty rocks” from the Spratly Archipelago, documents, documentaries, and artefacts on Vietnam’s sea and islands. Journalist Nguyen My Tra, who has visited the Spratly Archipelago many times, is also showcasing her photos taken during the trips.

A bilingual book comprising these photos will be released on March 12 in Hanoi.

Visitors will have the chance to meet and talk with veterans, families of fallen soldiers, and journalists, who will share their stories on their love for the national sea and islands.

In addition, the Xen Lau No festival of Thai ethnic people from the northern province of Son La will be reproduced on March 24. It’s an occasion to pay gratitude to the gods, ancestors and herbalists of the community who cure people of disease.

The festival will include a gong performance, folk dancing and games. Additionally, the Thai people will introduce their unique cuisine including dishes made from hoa ban (orchids) and specialities of Son La Province.

The programme aims to preserve and uphold the traditional cultural values of Vietnamese ethnic communities, enhancing national unity while advertising the Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism as an attractive tourist destination for visitors from home and abroad, said Lam Van Khang, head of the management board of the village.