Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chairman of the National Commission for UNESCO Nguyen Minh Vu said that the recognition of the Ba Chua Xu Festival on Sam Mountain is not only a source of pride for the people of An Giang or the South, but also a source of joy for the whole country. This is the 16th intangible cultural heritage of Vietnam recognized by UNESCO and the second intangible cultural heritage of the Southern region (along with the art of Southern amateur music) and the first traditional festival of the Mekong Delta to receive this honor. This is the international recognition and appreciation of the beauty of the heritage and Vietnam's efforts in protecting the heritage, contributing to affirming the diversity, value and identity of Vietnamese culture in the common cultural picture of humanity.
Mr. Nguyen Minh Vu said that honoring the Ba Chua Xu Festival of Vietnam on the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity this time is very meaningful. The honoring took place right after the National Assembly passed the revised Law on Cultural Heritage and the National Target Program for Cultural Development 2025-2035. Mr. Nguyen Minh Vu expressed his hope that, with the honoring by UNESCO, the An Giang provincial government as well as the Vietnamese government will devote attention and resources to contributing to preserving and developing as well as promoting and honoring the Ba Chua Xu Festival of Sam Mountain along with its profound meanings: That is gratitude, harmonious connection, using cultural expressions and spiritual festivals for the common goal of the community.
Mr. Nguyen Minh Vu said that our dossier was highly appreciated for its quality. This is the result of the efforts and close coordination of the community, the An Giang provincial government, the active and effective direction of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the coordinating role of the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in proposing, selecting ideas, completing and mobilizing the dossier.
