On November 7, the Department of Culture and Sports of Kien Giang province announced that the 16th Khmer Cultural, Sports and Tourism Festival in Kien Giang province in 2024 will take place in Go Quao district from November 13 to 16 (October 13 to 16 of the lunar calendar). This is also the occasion of the Ok Om Bok festival of the Khmer ethnic group.
The festival is expected to attract more than 250,000 people to attend, including more than 500 invited delegates. The festival will have many exciting activities such as: organizing the Moon Worship Ceremony; Trade Fair and introducing local products; displaying images and artifacts of Khmer people; exhibition, display and introduction of books; contest to make beautiful water-land trellis; sports competitions, etc.
According to Mr. Nguyen Van Sau, Director of the Department of Culture and Sports, the Ngo boat racing program is a content that many people are looking forward to. The Department has issued regulations for the Ngo boat racing tournament, prepared to establish the Organizing Committee, assigned referees, and served to implement the work; coordinated with the People's Committee of Go Quao district to mobilize additional funds. The Provincial Ethnic Committee supported 35 Ngo boats and 9 water and land platforms.
In addition, there is also the 2024 Khmer Traditional Arts Festival and Performance Program in Kien Giang Province with over 110 artisans and actors from 10 Khmer traditional art teams from districts and cities registering to participate.
The Provincial Museum and Provincial Library have plans and solutions to display images and artifacts of the Khmer people and to exhibit and introduce books to serve readers.
In addition, the Department of Culture and Sports coordinated with the People's Committee of Go Quao district to survey and inspect the venues for organizing the Festival's activities, agree on proposed organization plans, prepare contingency plans in case of storms and rains; and arrange suitable venues for the activities.
The Provincial People's Committee also requested relevant units to ensure security and order, increase patrols and control; ensure food safety and hygiene; regulate traffic on routes around the festival area; provide guidance on parking locations; ensure fire prevention, fighting, rescue and relief; and proactively handle situations that may affect the festival.
