(HBO) – The Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union (HCM CYU) chapter in Cao Phong district of the northern mountainous province of Hoa Binh has recently held a contest on "Cao Phong’s youths joining hands in building new-style rural areas in 2018” at the Nam Phong communal People’s Committee, with the participation of 12 teams from HCM CYU units in the district.

A mini-drama on building new-style
rural areas is performed by the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union chapter in Dung
Phong commune.
At the event, participants competed in three events, including
introduction – "we talk about ourselves”, multiple choice questions on general
knowledge and mini-dramas on rural stories.
The contest focused on the dissemination of the Party and State
policies, as well as of the province and district related to the national target
programme on building new-style areas from now to 2020, along with the
participation of HCM CYU’s members, youths and people in the implementation of
the programme.
In addition, it introduced interesting solutions, models and
measures which have been efficiently applied during the communication work and the
implementation of the national target programme in localities and units. Ideas
and measures to mobilise financial sources and people’s strengths for the
successful programme on building of new-style rural areas in the coming time
were also delivered at the contest.
At the end of the contest, the organising board presented the
first prize to the HCM CYU chapter in Dung Phong commune, the second prize to
the chapters in Nam Phong and Tay Phong communes. Meanwhile, three third prizes
and six consolation prizes were handed over to the participating teams./.
Preserving and promoting the cultural values of the Muong ethnic group has become an urgent task in the current context, as many traditional values face the risk of fading away. This effort requires not only protecting the cultural identity but also eliminating outdated customs and developing a modern cultural lifestyle, contributing to sustainable values for the Muong community in Hoa Binh province.
The Muong ethnic culture, deeply rooted in Vietnam’s mountainous north, continues to be preserved and revitalised by dedicated individuals and communities determined to safeguard their ancestral identity.
The Muong group is one of the largest ethnic minorities in Vietnam, primarily found in Hoa Binh province. The Muong people in Hoa Binh boast a rich and diverse cultural treasure that reflects the unique identity of this ethnic group. Accounting for over 63% of the province's population, they have created and preserved numerous distinctive cultural values, contributing to their unique identity. Their cultural heritage is an invaluable asset, at the heart of their national identity, and represents a vibrant spiritual life that must be preserved and promoted in today’s modern world.
For generations, the ethnic communities of Hoa Binh province, particularly the Muong people, have preserved vibrant festivals deeply intertwined with the region’s geography, nature, and social traditions. These celebrations enrich Hoa Binh’s spiritual life and cultural identity, reflecting both folk beliefs and the intermingling of ethnic customs. Many of these festivals have endured the test of time, passed down through generations and continuing to thrive today. Among them, the Khai Ha (Going Down to the Field) festival stands out as one of the most significant events of the Muong ethnic group.
Muong calendar, known as sach doi, is an ancient folk knowledge system developed through observations of the movement of the pleiades star. This unique calendar consists of 12 bamboo sticks, each representing a lunar month. Specific days within each month are marked with distinct symbols, guiding locals in determining auspicious and inauspicious days for important activities.
Authorities and residents of Chieng Chau commune, Mai Chau district, are making efforts to preserve and promote the historical value of a centuries-old gold apple tree (scientifically known as diospyros decandra lour), which has been recognised as a national heritage tree.