Back to the Mekong Delta
Returning to visit Vietnam after 15 years, Ms. Tran Thuy Linh (a Vietnamese-American tourist) chose Can Tho as her first tourist destination. Visiting Ninh Kieu wharf, Ms. Linh felt surprised and excited to have the opportunity to listen to Southern folk songs performed by musicians and actors in the area.
Ms. Linh shared that before, she and her family had also been to Can Tho, however, this return brought her many special emotions, especially the big change in the way tourism is done.
The re-enactment of Vietnamese rural scenery combined with Southern folk songs right in the context of modern life, partly reminded me of memories of a peaceful and poetic countryside" - Ms. Linh said.
Ms. Linh's family expressed their excitement when the value of traditional culture is preserved as a precious asset, and at the same time hoped that young people could cherish the quintessence of music that has been passed down for generations.
Mr. Edwin Torres (American tourist) - shared: "This is the first time I have come to this city and I believe that there are homeland beauties that few places have, especially listening to folk music tonight. I think I will have a wonderful trip here.
Preserving and promoting cultural values
The event that Ms. Tran Thuy Linh and Mr. Edwin Torres had the opportunity to enjoy is the Southern Folk Music Festival in Can Tho City in 2026, organized by the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism. The event will open on May 15 and close and award tonight (May 19) at Ben Ninh Kieu Park.
Southern folk songs were born during the process of reclaiming land and expanding territory, forming the Southern land. Inheriting the traditional culture and art of the nation, "barefoot" artists wrote folk songs on the journey to the South.
This year, the Festival attracted more than 300 musicians and actors from 11 commune and ward units and freelance contestants in Can Tho City to compete, including 64 performances. In which, freelance contestants participated in 20 performances in many genres such as: Solo, Duet, Trio, Group, skit, instrumental, solo performance of folk instruments.
In addition to playing musical instruments and singing folk songs, the organizers also expanded types such as speaking poetry and excerpts from classical opera.
According to the Organizing Committee, the Festival creates conditions for non-professional artisans and actors in the area to learn, exchange, and exchange experiences. Creating a joyful, healthy, united, and close atmosphere between participating units and serving people and domestic and international tourists.
This practical activity also contributes to preserving and promoting the cultural values of ethnic minorities, folk art, and traditional art, according to Resolution No. 80 dated January 7, 2026, of the Politburo on the development of Vietnamese culture.
It is known that in the past time, Can Tho City has been actively organizing many events to preserve and promote cultural values according to Resolution No. 80-NQ/TW, notably: Can Tho Water Culture Festival; Southern Folk Cake Festival;...
The organization of activities aims to guide people and tourists to recognize culture as an important endogenous resource, expand creative space and improve the quality of national development.
