As many as 400 artisans from across the country will participate in the festival, to be held on November 18-24 at the Culture-Tourism Village of Vietnamese Ethnic Groups in Dong Mo, Hanoi.

The participants have gone to great lengths to revive their indigenous ceremonies in Hanoi. Among the scheduled performances are the Cam Muong ritual to pray for prosperity of the Lu in Lai Chau province, a housewarming celebration by the Ta Oi from Quang Tri province, the Xip Xi festival to show gratitude to ancestors of the Thai in Son La province and the Ok Om Bok festival to salute the moon and pray for bumper crops by the Khmer in southern region.

There will also be gong performances by Gia Rai artisans from the Central Highlands and a re-enactment of the traditional H'mong wedding procession wherein the bride is brought to the groom's house, typical of Ha Giang province.

Tourists can take in an exhibition of traditional Vietnamese kites or enjoy Hanoian cuisine and traditional craft products. They can also visit the typical rural markets of the northern region, featuring local specialties, colourful brocade cloth and passionate folk songs and panpipe performances.

A floating market characteristic of the southern region will be set up on Dong Mo lake to create a landscape full of boats and fruits.

Researchers, cultural professionals, patriarchs and artisans will participate in a seminar to discuss solutions for the preservation and promotion of the traditional costumes of ethnic minority groups.

In addition to spotlighting the unique cultural features of participating ethnic groups, the week is also designed to advertise the image of the village; the common organisational structure of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups. The festival will surely be an interesting destination for both domestic and foreign visitors.