Ina document signed by Deputy Minister Trinh Thi Ngoc Thuy in late January and sentto provincial and city People’s Committees, the ministry urged localities tostrictly follow all government instructions about managing and holdingfestivals, particularly during the Tet (Lunar New Year)holidays.
Allnecessary measures should be taken to ensure cultural activities are joyful,safe and follow legal requirements. The ministry also asked authorities tofocus on traffic safety.
Inthe document, the ministry said authorities should prevent actions that takeadvantage of festivals for personal gain or to serve group interests.
Localauthorities should also focus on promoting public awareness of historical andcultural festivals to honour and preserve these valuable national traditions.
Theministry asked authorities to invest in upgrading historical relics andworshiping areas, ensuring convenience for people looking to participate in thefestivals. They should strengthen inspections and examinations before, duringand after festivals, and promptly handle violations.
Thedocument also requested People’s Committees of provinces and cities directdepartments, branches and localities to report on the implementation ofGovernment Decree No. 110/2018 / ND-CP, dated August 29, 2018, on themanagement and organisation of festivals. Results should be sent to theministry before March 15.
Lastyear, the ministry said progress had been made in managing and organisingfestivals nationwide. Most festivals were held solemnly, safely, economicallyand effectively. There were many cultural and folk games to help honourpredecessors and historical figures who contributed to the country’sdevelopment. All of these activities promoted the cultural identity of Vietnam.
However,in some areas, festivals still suffered from robberies, illegal gambling andviolations of environmental protection rules, the ministry said.-VNA