Soóng Cọ Festival 2026 - A living cultural heritage of the San Chi in Binh Lieu

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Held annually as part of the locality’s summer tourism season, the 2026 festival themed “The Lifeblood of Soóng Cọ”, celebrates the nationally recognised intangible cultural heritage of Soóng Cọ singing - a traditional folk performance art of the San Chi ethnic community in this border region.

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Originally a form of antiphonal love singing that reflects the rich spiritual life and strong community bonds of the San Chi people, the Soóng Cọ Festival is held annually on the 16th day of the third lunar month that falls on May 2 this year. It is the most important cultural celebration of the San Chi community in Quang Ninh.

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The highlight of the 2026 Festival opening is its immersive staging, combining a real landscape setting with modern 3D mapping technology. Audiences are drawn into the rhythms of village life and the landscapes that have nurtured Soóng Cọ singing, enhanced by visual effects inspired by local legends, creating an experience that felt both authentic and dreamlike.

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The programme also features exchanges between Soóng Cọ clubs from neighbouring provinces such as Bac Ninh and Thai Nguyen, creating a vibrant and diverse cultural space while strengthening interregional ties.

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Large numbers of local residents and visitors are excited at the fresh and impressive experiences, which offer a new take on the Soóng Cọ Festival compared to previous years.

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Serving as the opening event of Binh Lieu’s summer tourism season in Quang Ninh, this year’s festival introduces several new features, including a parallel lineup of community cultural and sporting activities alongside the main artistic programme.

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The San Chi women’s football tournament remains a standout cultural highlight, drawing visitors with the striking image of players competing in their traditional attire.

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The competitions take place in a lively atmosphere from April 25 to May 3 at the Khe Van Waterfall Ecotourism Area in Binh Lieu commune, creating a vibrant and energetic festival spirit.

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Traditional games such as tug of war, stick pushing, the cloth ball throwing, and spinning top contests draw large crowds of spectators and enthusiastic support. These activities help showcase and promote the rich cultural identity and spirit of the highland communities.

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Tourism promotion and trade booths, designed in the style of a traditional highland market and featuring local cuisine, offer visitors a chance to fully experience the flavours and distinctive identity of the locality.

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Through the festival, Binh Lieu hopes not only to contribute to the preservation and promotion of the traditional cultural values of the San Chi ethnic community, but also to showcase the image of its land and people, positioning Binh Lieu as an attractive destination where visitors can come to experience and truly immerse themselves in its unique cultural identity.