On December 10, 2024, the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism officially recognized the Bao bản Non Khe village festival (Yen Mo district) and the Đen Thanh Nguyen festival (Gia Vien district) as National Intangible Cultural Heritages through Decisions No. 3987/QĐ-BVHTTDL and 3986/QĐ-BVHTTDL.
Bao ban Non Khe Village Festival
The Nộn Khê village, located in Yên Từ commune, Yên Mô district, Ninh Bình province, celebrates the Báo Bản festival on the 14th day of the first lunar month every year. This festival is a time for villagers to show gratitude and repay the ancestors’ merits, following the saying “when drinking water, remember its source.” The festival consists of two parts: the ceremonial part and the festive part.
The ceremonial part allows villagers to offer incense to honor the ancestors who founded the village and the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the nation. A unique aspect of this festival is that villagers report to the village’s deity and ancestors about the successes and scholarly achievements of their children, as well as the village’s accomplishments in the past year. The festive part is lively with activities such as dragon dances, lion dances, chess, martial arts, “to tom” card game, and various sports activities.
A highlight of the festival is the two-night markets on the 12th and 13th nights of the first lunar month, attracting thousands of visitors with many local dishes like “banh đuc”, “banh gai”, “banh cuon”, “bun rieu”, and “bun oc”.
Đen Thanh Nguyen Festival
Taking place from the 8th to the 10th of the third lunar month at the Temple of Saint Nguyễn in Gia Thắng commune, Gia Tiến, Gia Viễn district, this festival is an opportunity for locals to pay tribute to the great contributions of National Teacher Nguyễn Minh Không. The festival consists of two parts: the ceremonial part and the festive part.
In the main ceremony, there is a water fetching ritual from the Hoàng Long River to the temple, along with other rituals such as “te luc khuc” and “te nam quan, nu quan”. The festive part includes traditional games such as tug of war, 32-piece chess, cockfighting, volleyball, and football.
Significance
These two festivals are not only important events in the spiritual life of the local people but also an integral part of Ninh Bình’s cultural identity. Their recognition as National Intangible Cultural Heritages holds significant meaning for the people of Ninh Bình. It also facilitates heritage conservation activities, raises community awareness about the importance of preserving cultural heritage, and promotes traditional cultural values in modern life, contributing to sustainable tourism development.
Source: Nguyễn Loan
