Nguyễn Văn Chung: Central Highlands inspire a lifelong artistic journey

Phu Tuc Commune in Gia Lai Province will host its first Ethnic Minority Cultural and Sports Festival alongside an Agricultural Market introducing local OCOP products on August 8, marking the first anniversary of the commune's establishment.

The seventh episode of Say Hi Rực Rỡ will see contestants compete in a series of team-based challenges that test strategy, coordination and endurance, while continuing to blend competition with light-hearted entertainment.

Large crowds of residents and tourists gathered in South Quy Nhon Ward, Gia Lai Province, on the evening of July 10 for the “South Quy Nhon - Call of the Sea” street carnival, a cultural and tourism event showcasing the coastal area’s traditions and ambitions for marine tourism development.

In early July 2026, the Vietnam Rice Industry Association (VIETRISA) presented awards in Ho Chi Minh City for the “Vietnamese rice - Origins and future” creative writing contest.

After a demanding first day of challenges on Cù Lao Xanh island, the artists of the reality show “Say Hi Rực Rỡ” turned their attention to preparing dinner, creating a mix of humorous moments and relaxing experiences against the island’s coastal backdrop.

Summer activities organised by Youth Union and Young Pioneer organisations across Gia Lai province are combining recreation with practical education, offering children opportunities to develop life skills, learn about the law and explore traditional culture through a range of interactive programmes.

Public art troupes from Gia Lai won two gold medals, six silver medals and two certificates of merit at the 2026 National Three-Region Folk Singing and Instrumental Performance Festival, which concluded in Hue City on Tuesday.

Hidden beneath the dense forest canopy of the Bích Kê mountain range, the Phú Hà ancient stone rampart is emerging as an important archaeological site that researchers believe dates to the early 19th century and once served as a storage and collection point for agricultural goods.

Students in Gia Lai province are using digital technology, QR codes, audiobooks and online libraries to promote reading and expand access to books, as the 2026 Provincial Reading Culture Ambassador Contest encourages contestants to combine traditional reading with digital innovation.

A Vietnamese artisan has spent nearly two years creating a light sculpture of the late General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng, transforming a simple piece of pine burl into a tribute reflecting his admiration and gratitude for the late leader.

Gia Lai will celebrate the 25th anniversary of Vietnamese Family Day with a special "Weekend Gong Performance - Enjoy and Experience" program at Dai Doan Ket Square in Pleiku Ward on June 27, highlighting the role of families in preserving the cultural heritage of the Jrai ethnic community.

Entrepreneur Bùi Thị Thùy Dương from Đồng Tháp was crowned Miss Vietnam Brand 2026 on Thursday after emerging victorious at the pageant's grand finale held at Riverside Square in the Đại Phú Gia Villa Complex, East Quy Nhơn Ward.

The Gia Lai Provincial People's Committee has approved a proposal to stage a high-altitude fireworks display as part of the "Eo Gió - Dance of the blue sea" art program, scheduled for the evening of July 11 at the Eo Gió Ecotourism Area in East Quy Nhơn Ward.

Seven artists from different regions of Vietnam and Thailand will present 70 paintings at the “Private Skies” exhibition, scheduled to take place from July 4 to 10 at Gallery 3B in Cau Kieu Ward, Ho Chi Minh City.

Rare imperial decrees from the Nguyễn Dynasty have been carefully preserved by residents of Nhơn Châu island commune in Gia Lai province for nearly a century, serving as enduring symbols of the island’s maritime traditions and cultural identity.

Authorities and cultural experts in Vietnam’s Gia Lai province convened a scientific seminar on Wednesday to finalize dossiers seeking provincial heritage recognition for two sites: the residence and grave of patriot Nguyen Huu Hao and the H’Bâu Ancient Church.

Distinct culinary traditions across Vietnam are reflected in the offering trays prepared for Tết Đoan Ngọ, one of the country's most important traditional festivals, celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month.

The Binh Dinh Bai Choi Opera Troupe, under the Gia Lai Provincial Traditional Arts Theater, staged the final dress rehearsal of the Bai Choi opera “Princess Huyen Tran” on Monday after completing 60 intensive training and production sessions, ahead of its planned public tour.

Children’s literature in Gia Lai is experiencing steady growth, marked by a growing community of writers, continuity across generations, diverse themes and the emergence of promising young authors.

Fishermen in Trung Luong fishing village in Gia Lai will hold the 2026 Whale Worship Festival from May 27 to 31, featuring traditional spiritual rituals, folk performances and cultural activities celebrating Vietnam’s coastal heritage.

Fishermen in Vĩnh Lợi coastal village in Gia Lai province on May 26 held the 2026 Whale Worship Festival at the Nam Hải Whale Shrine in Vĩnh Lợi lagoon, a major cultural and spiritual event for local fishing communities.

An Giang provincial museum and the Pleiku museum of Gia Lai on May 27 opened a joint exhibition titled “The Colors of Gia Lai and An Giang Cultures” at the An Giang Provincial Museum’s Facility 1 in Rach Gia Ward, An Giang Province.

The Gia Lai Provincial Association of Literature and Arts, in collaboration with the Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Association, opened the “Giao Hoa 2” Fine Arts Exhibition 2026 on May 26 at the grounds of the Gia Lai Provincial Convention Center in Quy Nhon Ward, Gia Lai Province.

In the quiet village of Mrông Yố in Gia Lai province, artisan Rơ Châm Guk has dedicated decades to preserving and passing on the ancient gong culture of the Jrai people, earning recognition as one of the Central Highlands’ most respected cultural guardians.