In his opening speech, Lo van Giang, chairman of the Lai Chau provincial People’s Committee, said that the festival, the 11^th of its kind, aims to introduce visitors to the distinctive cultures of different ethnic groups in the north-western region as well as their folk games and tourism potential. It is part of activities to mark the 55^th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu victory (May 7) and the 100^th founding anniversary of Lai Chau and Dien Bien provinces.

A Vietnamese record was set on March 27 when more than 1,300 people from 27 ethnic groups in the region took part in a Xoe dance – a traditional dance of the Thai people.

During the four-day event, artists, artisans and athletes will take part in art performances, traditional rituals, costume shows, and folk games, alongside a photo exhibition, a tour guide contest, a tourism workshop and a trade fair.

The festival was first held in 1992 by three provinces. It has now been joined by Hoa Binh, Son La, Dien Bien, Lai Chau, Lao Cai and Yen Bai.