The ceremony also expressed hope that the city will become an economic and cultural hub of the Highlands.

On stage were hundreds of artists and gong troupes of ethnic minorities including the Ede, Gia Rai, and M’nong among others.

The week featured a series of cultural activities including a photo exhibition, fire festival, street fair, wood carving contest, cooking and trade fair, and folk games and music.

Highlights of the event were sports activities such as swimming, racing and hunting with 20 elephants in Buon Don District.

The tourism and culture week also aimed to raise awareness of the importance of preserving cultural values and festivals of ethnic groups in the Highlands area. In particular, its long-standing gong tradition has been recognized by UNESCO as a ‘Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

VietNamNet/SGGP