Free tickets to UNESCO ceremony honouring art of Xòe Thái

Due to the number of people interested in attending an event to celebrate UNESCO recognising the art of Thái ethnic people's Xòe dance as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity, free tickets are only available on request, the organising committee announced.

Vũ Thị Hiền Hạnh, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, has confirmed that the ceremony will take place at the stadium of Nghĩa Lộ Town, Yên Bái Province, on September 24 at 8pm and that tickets to the event are being distributed free of charge.

She also revealed that the celebration would feature the art programme 'Xòe Thái - the quintessence of the heritage region,' which will involve more than 3,000 artists, performers, and artisans using the entire stadium as a venue.

Due to the restricted capacity of the stadium, the organising committee has decided to offer limited free tickets instead of allowing access to everyone.

She added that this also guarantees compliance with security rules during the event by controlling access to the stadium.

In addition, the organiser has set up six more areas with LED screens in Nghĩa Lộ Town, along with a team of authorities to assist locals and tourists through the event's activities.

Authorities in Nghĩa Lộ Town and neighbouring districts, such as Văn Chấn and Mù Cang Chải, have increased inspections of security systems, fire prevention, pandemic prevention, food hygiene, and guest accommodation safety.

In preparation for the high volume of visitors expected during this peak period, owners of restaurants, hotels, motels, and homestays have made the necessary repairs and upgrades to ensure the comfort and safety of their guests.

Tickets for the ceremony are available by contacting the provincial Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism at No 587 Yên Ninh Street in Yên Bái City (Tel. 094-546-562) or the People's Committee of Nghĩa Lộ Town in Tân An Ward, Nghĩa Lộ Town, Yên Bái Province (Tel. 0917-333-162).

Xòe is a form of Vietnamese dancing with movements symbolising human activities in ritual, culture, life and work. It is performed at rituals, weddings, village festivals and community events.

Xòe is practised in the villages of the Thái ethnic group, mainly in four provinces of Yên Bái, Lai Châu, Sơn La and Điện Biên.

UNESCO recognised the art as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity on December 15, 2021.