Tugging rituals, games named cultural heritage of humanity
Tugging rituals and games of Vietnam, Cambodia, the Philippines and the Republic of Korea were added to the UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity on December 2.
Hanoi (VNA) – Tugging rituals and games of Vietnam, Cambodia, the Philippines and the R🤡epublic of Korea were added to the UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity on December 2.
The multi-national heritage was inscribed on the list at the 10th session of the UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Namibia.
Tugging rituals and games are prevalent in the rice-farming cultures of East Asia and Southeast Asia as a form for communities to pray for abundant harvests and prosperity. They mark the start of the agricultural cycle and often begin with commemorative rites to local deities.
Typically held near a communal house or shrine, two teams on either end of a rope try to tug it from the other. The practice is non-competitive, strengthening community solidarity and identity, UNECO said on its website.
In Vietnam, tug-of-war is a folk game that is practiced in a number of traditional festivals and community events.
Tugging rituals and games is the 10th UNESCO-recognised Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity of Vietnam.
The others are Vi and Giam folk songs of Nghe Tinh province, the art of Don ca tai tu music and song in southern Vietnam, the worship of Hung Kings and Xoan singing in Phu Tho province, Giong festival of Phu Dong and Soc Temples, Ca Tru singing, Quan ho Bac Ninh folk songs, Nha Nhac – Vietnamese court music, and the space of gong culture in the Central Highlands.-VNA
Huu Chap village in the northern province of Bac Ninh has played the traditional bamboo game keo co (tug of war) for hundreds of years, but now it is being lost amid rapid socio-economic development, said an elderly resident, Nguyen Van Hai.
The Binh Xuyen district of northern Vinh Phuc province was presented with a certificate recognising its tug of war festival in Huong Canh town as a national intangible cultural heritage on April 2.
Thach Ban ward in Hanoi’s Long Bien district received special certification on April 21 recognising its local tug of war custom as a piece of national intangible cultural heritage.
Cultural experts and Ca Tru (ceremonial singing) aficionados in Hanoi gathered at a talk held in the city on October 22, discussing measures to preserve this intangible cultural heritage.
The ambassador noted that among the 300,000 Vietnamese residing in the RoK, around 3,000 are living in Pyeongtaek and contributing actively to the local economy. Ho expressed his hope that the local authorities will continue support the overseas Vietnamese community in the city.
This is the first time since the adoption of the Convention that a country has served two consecutive terms on the Committee. The outcome shows the trust and recognition that member states have given Vietnam for its efforts and achievements in carrying out and promoting the Convention, as well as for its active role, strong standing, and growing credibility at UNESCO.
Quang Duc pottery is known for its wide range of forms, including wine bottles, jars, lime pots, vases, plant pots, incense burners and candle stands. Decorative motifs are equally rich, featuring mythical creatures, pastoral scenes, floral patterns, deer, peacocks, bats and more.
Vietnam’s cinematic appeal lies in its diverse settings, from terraced mountains and limestone karsts to bustling markets and ancient towns. Its mix of ethnic vibes, buzzing street life, and old traditions gives directors a goldmine for storytelling.
The Vietnamese team will gather on June 26 in Ba Ria-Vung Tau, where they will train until July 14 before departing for Indonesia for the ASEAN U23 Championship 2025, which runs from July 15 to 29. Vietnam will face Laos on July 19 and Cambodia on July 22 in the group stage.
The exhibition showcases more than 100 valuable documents and artifacts, divided into two main parts: “Journalist Nguyen Ai Quoc – Ho Chi Minh” and “President Ho Chi Minh – Founder and Mentor of Vietnamese Revolutionary Press.” This is an opportunity to recall the late leader’s journalism journey and affirm his exceptional role in founding and guiding the revolutionary press in Vietnam.
For the first time, the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) has granted Vietnam hosting rights for the two championships, including the Asian women’s solo category, which debuts this year as an officially recognised event.
Eight teams will join the tournament, divided into two groups. Group A features Vietnam, the Philippines, Sichuan Club (China), and Australia, while Group B consists of Vietnam U21, Korabelka Club (Russia), Taiwan (China), and U21 Thailand.
Despite strong home support and high expectations, Vietnam were unable to overcome the defending champions, who secured their third consecutive win over Vietnam in a regional final, following previous victories in 2014 and 2023.
The event, part of Vietnam’s cultural diplomacy strategy through 2030, was jointly organised by the Vietnamese Embassy in Venezuela and USM’s Faculty of International Relations. It attracted thousands of students from universities across Venezuela.
For the first time, Vietnamese audiences will have the opportunity to experience the ballet masterpiece "Don Quixote" in its original version by renowned choreographer Marius Petipa.
The contest carried deep meaning as it was the first time the life of Vietnamese women abroad had been highlighted as the central theme, said poet and writer Nguyen Quang Thieu, Chairman of the Vietnam Writers’ Association.
The event formed part of Vietnam’s ongoing campaign to seek UNESCO World Heritage status for the complex at the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, scheduled to take place in Paris in July.
Creative cultural festivals are fast emerging as a new catalyst for tourism development in Vietnam, as localities increasingly invest in these vibrant events on a more systematic and larger scale.
This marks the first time Vietnam has hosted a continental-level Muay event which will feature competitions across 28 weight categories in combat and eight performance categories.
Coming to the Vietnamese booth, visitors had the chance to take part in a bamboo dance, a workshop on painting woven bamboo or rattan, or quizzes about Vietnam.
These are impressive achievements, not only showing the efforts and prowess of Vietnamese paddlers but also serving as proof of the sports sector’s strategic and systematic investment.
Children play tug of war (Photo: VNA)
