Vietnam heritage town holds folk games on streets
17:37 04/03/2009

      Visitors to the world heritage town of Hoi An will have a chance to see Vietnamese folk games being played in the pedestrian-only areas.

The Hoi An people’s committee [government] said Friday the games would be held at the An Hoi crossroad and at 138 Tran Phu street on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays two hours each in the morning, afternoon, and evening.

The games include bit mat dap nieu, in which participants are blindfolded and have to try to smash a clay pot, bai choi (card games in huts), and xo xam huong may man (lucky draw).

They are accompanied by an array of cultural activities showcasing the lifestyles of residents in the early part of last century.

In the past these games were only held during traditional festivals in Hoi An.

The town decided last month to trial a ban on vehicles on these three days each week.

Many streets are open only to pedestrians and non-motor vehicles like bicycles at 8-11am, 2:30-4:30 pm, and 7-9pm.

Reported by Hua Xuyen Huynh – Translated by Thu Thuy

Source : thanhniennews.com