LÂM ĐỒNG – Fifteen gong troupes from Southeast Asian countries and the UNESCO Creative Cities will take part in the 2025 Southeast Asian Gong Festival in November and December.

The event aims to mark the 20th anniversary of the cultural space of gongs in Tây Nguyên (Central Highlands), which was recognised as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritages of Humanity by UNESCO on November 25, 2005.

Gong is an indispensable element in most rituals, ceremonies and festivals of local communities in Tây Nguyên. It also symbolises wealth and health.

Tây Nguyên people believe that gongs can produce a language that connects humans with the supernatural world.

The event also marks the province’s commitment to preserving and promoting the musical heritage and traditions of all its inhabitants, particularly ethnic minorities involved in the gong space as a Creative City of Music. It aims to strengthen cooperation between international and local partners, in particular with other Creative Cities.

The festival will attract around 520 gong artisans and performers at the Lâm Đồng Ethnic Groups’ Cultural Day on November 21 and 22 in Đông Gia Nghĩa Ward, and at the Southeast Asian Gong Gala on December 20 at Lâm Viên Square in Xuân Hương – Đà Lạt Ward.

The programme will also include Coffee and Heritage Day from December 18 to 20 at Lâm Viên Square, and a fashion show presenting traditional costumes and customised brocade outfits on December 19 at the Pini Tourism Area in Xuân Hương – Đà Lạt Ward.

Đinh Văn Tuấn, deputy chairman of the provincial People’s Committee, asked relevant agencies to launch a competition to seek the best gong performers for the festival.

He emphasised that the gong festival must feature both a formal ceremony and engaging activities to draw local and international tourists. – VNS