Hop Thanh (Yen Thanh) holds a traditional drum music competition.

(Baonghean.vn) -On February 23rd (the 14th day of the first lunar month of the Year of the Snake), groups of people from villages in Hop Thanh commune (Yen Thanh district, Nghe An province) and some neighboring localities, carrying flags, beating drums, and riding in palanquins, dressed in colorful and neat attire, made their way from all directions to Phung Temple to inaugurate the Spring Festival of Music and Drums in 2013.

The drummers enthusiastically showcased their skills.

This is the second time the People's Committee of Hop Thanh commune has organized the Traditional Drum Music Competition to celebrate the Lunar New Year. According to Mr. Hoang Van Ly, Chairman of the People's Committee of Hop Thanh commune: currently, traditional drum music – a spiritual and cultural value in many families – is declining (because the younger generation is not interested in this music). Therefore, the People's Committee organized the competition to preserve and safeguard the traditional drum music passed down from our ancestors. It also aims to educate the younger generation to live responsibly and always remember their roots.

Every family is determined to win the prize.

The competition lasted one day and attracted not only 14 clans from within and outside the commune but also thousands of people from within and outside the district to watch and cheer.

The opening ceremony began with a solemn three-beat drum performance by 17 participating clans, accompanied by a majestic choir. Following this, each clan competed in their respective rituals and three-beat drum performance. Each clan's ritual and drum performance had its own unique style and characteristics, but collectively they created a vibrant yet respectful atmosphere, a spiritual and cultural space that deeply moved the hearts of the attendees.

Thousands of spectators came to watch and cheer.

Results: The organizing committee awarded first prize to the Nguyen family (Hamlet 10); second prize to the Vu family (Hamlet 4); and two third prizes to the Hoang family (Hamlet 3) and the Pham family (Hamlet 5). All remaining families received consolation prizes.

The elderly watched with fascination, as if reliving their youth.

The competition concluded at 5 PM on the same day, but its impact still resonated in the hearts of those who attended. The Hop Thanh ceremonial drum music competition truly revived traditional cultural values ​​that were fading away.

Tien Dung -Van Thanh, Yen Thanh