Folk knowledge of exploiting and processing Khanh Hoa aloewood and Khanh Hoa salanganes nests recognized as national intangible cultural heritages

On June 3, the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism signed a decision announcing the list of national intangible cultural heritages, including the folk knowledge of exploiting and processing Khanh Hoa aloewood. The folk knowledge of exploiting and processing Khanh Hoa aloewood is implemented in 8 localities, including: Nha Trang City, Cam Ranh City, Ninh Hoa Town, Van Ninh District, Dien Khanh District, Khanh Son District, Khanh Vinh District, and Cam Lam District.

Making aloewood products at a facility in Ninh Hoa Town (Photo: C.D)

Previously, on June 2, Khanh Hoa Salanganes Nest Festival was inscribed in the list of national intangible cultural heritage by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Khanh Hoa Salanganes Nest Festival is mainly organized in Nha Trang City; other localities include Cam Ranh, Ninh Hoa, Dien Khanh, Cam Lam, Van Ninh.

Khanh Hoa is well-known for aloewood and salanages nests. Khanh Hoa aloewood is highly appreciated for its quality with many benefits for human health as well as its spiritual meaning. Nowadays, there are still many families and artisans in Khanh Hoa practicing this craft. 

Khanh Hoa Salanganes Nest Festival is a part of the knowledge of exploiting and processing salanganes nests that has been inscribed on the list of national intangible cultural heritages by the end of 2024. The Salanganes Nest Festival takes place on lunar May 10 every year to commemorate the great merits of Tran Dynasty Navy Admiral Le Van Dat, who discovered salanganes nest caves, and his daughter Le Thi Huyen Tram and other predecessors who founded and developed the salanganes nest industry in Nha Trang-Khanh Hoa.

N.T
Translated by H.N