Visitors learn about the process of making Dong Ho folk paintingsThe ceremony to receive the UNESCO inscription certificate is scheduled for March 27th and will be broadcast live on VTV1. This is not merely a cultural diplomacy event; it is also an occasion to honor the quintessential values crystallized over generations by the artisans of Dong Ho village. The highlight of the program was a special artistic performance themed “The Essence of Heritage - A Millennium of Radiance”, blending tradition with modern technology and featuring a drone show and fireworks display that created an atmosphere at once solemn and deeply moving.
UNESCO’s inscription of the craft on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding has also created an urgent need for effective conservation efforts. No longer a matter of maintaining the craft in a spontaneous manner, the practice of making Dong Ho paintings now requires an approach rooted in systematic heritage management: Preserving woodblock printing techniques and traditional materials such as diep paper (giay diep) and natural pigments, at the same time restructuring the craft village model to adapt to the market economy is a challenging task; however, if executed successfully, Đông Hồ could well become a model for integrating heritage preservation with sustainable development.
In the context of extensive international integration, building a brand for Dong Ho paintings has become a top priority. Moving beyond the status of mere handicrafts, Dong Ho paintings need to be positioned as a symbol of Vietnamese culture. Digital platforms, virtual reality technology, and e-commerce will serve as vital tools for bringing this heritage to a global audience. This strategic approach enables the heritage to remain alive in modern life, rather than merely existing within the confines of static preservation.
Alongside the certificate presentation ceremony, Bac Ninh province is organizing a series of activities as part of the “Returning to the Land of Heritage 2026” Festival. This event extends beyond the local level, featuring the participation of numerous art troupes from provinces and cities across the country. The opening ceremony is scheduled to take place on the morning of March 28th at the Provincial Cultural and Exhibition Center, featuring performances of intangible cultural heritage elements recognized by UNESCO. Each art form will be showcased for 30 to 45 minutes, creating a “vivid tableau” of Vietnam’s cultural diversity.
Another notable highlight is the exhibition space titled “A Colorful Journey through Intangible Cultural Heritage Across Regions”, taking place from March 27th to 31st. This is an opportunity for the public not only to appreciate these forms of heritage but also to gain a deeper understanding of their value, history and origins. In doing so, it fosters greater public awareness - a core element of sustainable heritage conservation.
Going beyond mere performances, the event series is deeply imbued with spiritual significance, featuring a pilgrimage to the ancestral seat at Vinh Nghiem pagoda. Traditional rituals such as incense offerings in memory of the Three Patriarchs of the Truc Lam Zen sect, prayers for national peace and prosperity, and processions honoring the Buddha and the Patriarchs not only showcase a rich spiritual life but also serve to connect the community with its cultural roots.
In particular, the exhibition of Vietnamese folk paintings and the event honoring Dong Ho paintings taking place from March 26th to 30th at the Dong Ho folk painting conservation Center will serve as a gathering place for traditional art. This is not merely an exhibition space but also a forum for interaction between artisans and the public, and between the past and the present. Seemingly familiar artworks such as “The Mouse Wedding”, “Herd of Pigs” and “Glory and Prosperity” take on deeper layers of meaning when placed in a new context.
In addition, folk cultural activities, sports, and culinary experiences further enrich the visitor’s journey. Activities such as catching loaches in jars, walking on stilts, and tug-of-war, as well as competitions featuring ornamental birds or fighting cocks, offer not only entertainment but also a glimpse into the traditional culture of the Kinh Bac region’s inhabitants.
The decision to inscribe the craft of making Dong Ho folk paintings on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding was adopted at the 20th session of the UNESCO 2003 Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO.
Inscription is not the destination, but rather the starting point of a long journey. Preserving craftsmanship, supporting artisans, educating the community and developing livelihoods - all these efforts must be implemented in a coordinated manner. If approached systematically, Dong Ho can not only be revived but also thrive in modern life.
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