Thua Thien – Hue (VNA) - Artists from many corners of the globe have collectively orchestrated a multi-cultural artistic symphony, harmonising traditionality and modernity at the ongoing Hue International Arts Festival Week, an annual signature event of Hue city in the central province of Thua Thien-Hue.

Themed "Cultural Heritage with Integration and Development", the programme lasts from June 7 to 12, bringing together nearly 30 troupes from eight countries, namely France, Belgium, Spain, Canada, Japan, China, the Republic of Korea, and Vietnam. Participating artists serve as ambassadors conveying the culture and art of their homelands, treating locals to a colourful cultural feast.

Janick Appelmans, 51, a member of the Belgian royal stilt walkers troupe Koninklijke Steltenlopers Merchtem – which is joining the festival for the 5th time, said it's quite challenging to purchase tickets for a large group of 47 people along with bulky luggage like musical instruments and stilts. According to him, the troupe had to travel on special trains and flights, but they are extremely satisfied with this journey.

Mariana Neto Brito Luz, a member of the Hiphop Cergy team from France, said that they came here as part of an exchange programme between Hue and Cergy – a commune in the French department of Val-d'Oise, to the northwest of Paris. Since the two sides established cooperative relations in April 2019, many exchange programmes for artists have been organised.

Ooshiro Yuuga, the leader of Japan’s Eisa Urakaji drum dance troupe, noted that this is their first time setting foot on Hue, but everyone is eager to introduce Vietnam and other nations to the art of Eisa drum dance.

In addition, the Vietnamese team has showcased the “don ca tai tu” art form (southern amateur singing), considered one of the country’s main music genres. Originating from Hue court music and folk music of the southern region, the art was listed in the Representative List of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2013.

It can be said that the festival has facil♐itated cultural diplomacy among art troupes and contributed to building friendship among countri🌱es and localities involved./.