With the theme "Soong Co Source", the event aims to preserve and honor the Soong Co singing art of the San Chi people, contributing to the formation of cultural tourism products associated with the community.
The highlight is the opening ceremony on the evening of May 2nd at the Khe Van waterfall real-scene stage, combining professional art performances and folk performances by artisans and the Soong Co club.
Within the framework of the festival, many cultural and folk sports activities took place sôi nổi, attracting thousands of people and tourists to participate.
Sports such as stick pushing, tug-of-war, spinning top, tung also create a bustling atmosphere, imbued with the highland identity.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Lan Anh, a tourist from Bai Chay ward, Quang Ninh province, said: "My family chose to go to Binh Lieu to experience the cultural space of ethnic groups. When we arrived, we saw that the Soong Co Festival was very crowded and lively, like tourist centers in Quang Ninh. However, at times, the road up was congested, somewhat affecting the sightseeing itinerary.
At the Soong Co Festival, the Organizing Committee arranged 24 booths to introduce OCOP products and Binh Lieu tourism.
Visitors can experience cultural activities of the San Chi people such as pounding day cakes, making pho rolls, cooc mo cakes; wearing traditional costumes.
The folk song and dance exchange program has the participation of Soong Co clubs from Binh Lieu commune, Dong Ngu commune (Quang Ninh province), and art troupes from Bac Ninh province, Thai Nguyen province.
According to San Chi language, Soong Co means singing, singing couples, singing love duets; the lyrics are often seven-word poems with quarrels. The form of singing responses is expressed between couples or in groups during festivals, weddings, production labor, or in the idle time of the countryside.
Previously, the Soong Co Festival (also known as March Singing Festival) usually took place at the end of spring, when the transplanting season ended. This is an opportunity for young men and women to meet, socialize, share their thoughts, feelings and hopes for life.
Song Co singing of the San Chi people in Quang Ninh was included in the National Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2023.
Soong Co Festival is currently an annual activity in the series of summer tourism events of Binh Lieu commune, contributing to preserving intangible cultural heritage, while promoting tourism development towards ecology - culture - community, extending stay time and increasing tourist spending.
