The recognition was granted under decisions signed on March 5 by Deputy Culture, Sports and Tourism Minister Hoang Dao Cuong, said Phan Van Hoang, deputy director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
The newly listed heritage includes the H’re rain-praying festival in Ba Dong Commune, the whale worship festival in Sa Huynh, the traditional weaving craft of the Gie-Trieng ethnic group, and the Charcoal-eating festival (Cha K’chiah) practised by the community in several communes in the province
Under the decisions, local authorities are responsible for managing and safeguarding the heritage in accordance with Vietnam’s cultural heritage laws.
Officials said the recognition would raise awareness of the traditions’ cultural value, strengthen community pride and support efforts to preserve local identity while promoting tourism and livelihoods.
The H’re rain-praying festival, held during the sixth or seventh lunar month, reflects agricultural beliefs and prayers for favourable weather and good harvests, featuring gong performances, folk songs, dances and traditional games.
The Sa Huynh whale worship festival, held annually on the third day of the Lunar New Year for over 200 years, sees coastal communities pray for safe voyages, abundant catches and honour village founders.
Meanwhile, the Gie-Trieng traditional weaving craft, practised for centuries, remains an important cultural expression of the ethnic community, with brocade textiles reflecting spiritual beliefs, daily life and local history.
The Cha K’chiah festival marks the end of the harvest season and serves as a thanksgiving ritual to deities while preparing tools and blessings for the next agricultural cycle.
