Vietnam showcases Dong Ho folk paintings in Paris, seeking UNESCO's recognition
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ngo Le Van described Bac Ninh as the cradle of Dong Ho folk paintings, an over 500-year-old art form crafted from natural materials that embodies both artistic excellence and a profound declaration of the Vietnamese way of living in harmony with nature.
President of the UNESCO General Conference Simona-Mirela Miculescu crafts her own piece of Dong Ho painting. (Photo: VNA)
Paris (VNA) – The northern province of Bac Ninh, in collaboration with the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, successfully hosted an event in Paris on April 9 evening showcasing Vietnam’s rich cultural values and pushing for UNESCO recognition of Dong Ho folk paintings൲ as a▨n Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding this year.
Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Le Xuan Loi said Bac Ninh boasts four UNESCO-listed intangible cultural treasures, namely quan ho (love duet) singing, ca tru (ceremonial singing), tug-of-war rituals and games of Huu Chap village, and the worship of the Mother Goddesses of Three Realms.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ngo Le Van described Bac Ninh as the cradle of Dong Ho folk paintings, an over 500-year-old art form crafted from natural materials that embodies both artistic excellence and a profound declaration of the Vietnamese way of living in harmony with nature.
By spotlighting Bac Ninh, Vietnam seeks to honour the core values that UNESCO has been pursuing, including heritage preservation, respect for cultural diversity, and promotion of sustainable development, he said, adding that the event carries special significance as it coincides with the 135th birth anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh, recognised by UNESCO in 1987 as a Hero of National Liberation and a Great Man of Culture.
UNESCO Deputy Director-General Xing Qu praised Vietnam’s active role and urged continued efforts in heritage conservation and the global promotion of cultural values.
Guests experienced Dong Ho painting firsthand, guided by master artisan Nguyen Dang Tam, a veteran with 34 years of experience. President of the UNESCO General Conference Simona-Mirela Miculescu crafted her own piece, while Oualid Mahdaoui from the Algerian delegation marveled at the craft’s intricacy, likening it to a precursor of modern printing and contemporary art.
They also enjoyed other Vietnamese folk traditions like calligraphy, 'to he' (handcrafted figurines made from rice dough), love duet singing, Vietnamese tea, delicacies, and toured an exhibition on Ho Chi Minh’s life and career./.
The event featured two cultural treasures, Dong Ho folk paintings and Quan ho (love duet) folk singing, offering French audiences and the Vietnamese community in France an opportunity to experience these traditional art forms.
As part of the national intangible cultural heritage, Dong Ho painting or Dong Ho folk woodcut painting is a genre of Vietnamese folk painting, stemming from Dong Ho village in the northern province of Bac Ninh in the 17th century.
Dong Ho folk paintings, crafted by the people of Dong Ho village (Thuan Thanh district, Bac Ninh province), are a unique part of Vietnam’s folk art. Despite numerous challenges, a few artisans remain dedicated to preserving this tradition, safeguarding its techniques, and inspiring future generations to cherish their 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.
