"Cua dinh" folk singing certificated as national intangible cultural heritage

“Cua Dinh” folk singing

Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has recognized “Cua dinh” folk singing in the northern province of Quang Ninh as national intangible cultural heritage.

“Cua Dinh” folk singing is a genre of ceremonial singing which is the original form of Ca Tru folk singing. The music genre includes singing, instrument playing and dancing and is performed in the front yard of the communal house or at the family.

According to ancient documents, there were two troupes of Cua Dinh singers in each district from the northern provinces to Thanh Hoa, Nghe An and Ha Tinh province. These troupes usually performed in front of local communal houses. They sang at worshiping ceremonies for village genies.

The singing was famous before the August Revolution in Kinh-inhabited areas in the northeast, especially Van Ninh commune in Mong Cai city, Van Hoa commune in Van Don district, Dam Ha commune in Dam Ha district. The name "nha to" or "cua dinh" singing depends on the different performing spaces.

Quang Ninh province is carrying out a project on making traditional art performances into tourism products, including the arts form.