Baling Opera Shines at 18th International Folklore Festival in Romania

The Baling Opera Inheritance Research Institute participated in the 18th International Folklore Festival in Romania between August 13 and 16, 2019 local time. Yueyang participation was at the invitation of Bistrita of Romania, and recommended by the Hunan Provincial People's Government and the Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism.

Ma Na, member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Yueyang Municipal Committee and director of the Publicity Department of the CPC Yueyang Municipal Committee, attended.

The opening ceremony of the festival and a large parade were held on the evening of August 14 and 15 local time. During the period, the Baling Opera Inheritance Research Institute performed Baling Opera highlights “San Cha Kou (crossroad)” and folk dance “Huayao Village”, and gave a musical instrument show. The three programs were highly praised by the local people and participating international friends from all over the world. It was the third time for Yueyang to promote Baling Opera abroad, after performances in Turkmenistan and Russia. It was also a good chance to spread Yueyang's culture to the world. 

Ma Na said that the Baling Opera is a precious cultural heritage created by the Yueyang people. It has been developed for nearly 400 years. Due to its profound culture, and high historical and artistic value, it was listed as one of the first batch of national intangible cultural heritage items in 2006.

Ma Na hoped that fine traditional culture such as Baling Opera will be showcased to more people in the world, and to promote world culture development.

Before the opening of the festival, a meet-and-greet was held between the Yueyang Culture and Art Delegation and the Bistrita-Nasaud government. The two sides hoped to view the festival as an opportunity to enhance mutual friendship and expand cooperation. They especially promised to strengthen cultural cooperation and build a bridge for cultural exchanges. 

Translator: Xiao Juan
Chinese source: yueyang.gov.cn