Reviving Ca Tru in Hai Phong Port City

Cradle of Ca Tru

Every Spring, when rural villages bustle with festivals, many traditional art enthusiasts return to the cradle of Ca Tru singing in Dong Mon village (Hoa Binh Ward).

In the memory of many elders, Ca Tru in Dong Mon once flourished brilliantly. Children grew up amid the lute and clapper sounds, with many later becoming renowned female singers and male musicians performing across northern provinces.

Ca Tru is not just a musical form but also a distinctive cultural activity. Today, Ca Tru performances in Dong Mon village are organized during Spring festivals. Beyond traditional cultural practice, they serve as occasions for the community to reconnect with the roots of this unique art form from the coastal region.

Preserving the heritage flame

In 1993, Hai Phong's first Ca Tru clubs were established. Today, the city has many regularly active clubs such as Dong Mon Ca Tru, Xu Dong, Dang Giang, and Hai Phong Ca Tru Guild. Beyond public performances, these clubs actively teach the younger generation.

Ca Tru, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, continues to be a cherished and integral part of Vietnamese culture. Bridging past and present, this art form is thriving in Hai Phong city.

Despite periods of decline, Ca Tru is experiencing a resurgence in Hai Phong, thanks to government support and the unwavering dedication of local artisans.

Hai Phong News