Vietnam seeks UNESCO recognition for intangible heritage

Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Thien Nhan has agreed to let the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism submit two dossiers on two of the country’s cultural practices to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
These proposals are expected to earn the country UNESCO’s recognition of ‘Don ca tai tu Nam bo’ (southern amateur singing), and ‘Tin nguong tho cung Hung Vuong’ (faith in and worship of Hung Kings), as the world’s intangible heritage.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the National Committee of UNESCO Vietnam have finished necessary procedures to send these applications to UNESCO headquarters in France before March 31.
The worship of Hung Kings, believed to be the nation’s ancestors, have become customs that are passed down from generation to generation. The worship plays an important role in Vietnamese culture, helping to unite the entire nation.
Meanwhile, Don ca tai tu is closely associated with the life of labourers and takes place in daily events such as weddings, birthday parties, and other community activities.