Keeping the racial soul in traditional music

2/21/2023 - 11:30:02 AM

(HBO) - The gongs in Muong land resounded, delighting thousands of people present at the stadium of Tan Lac district’s Phong Phu commune on the morning of the eighth day of the first lunar month. The Muong gong performance by 500 artisans and actists from four major Muong regions of Bi, Vang, Thang and Dong was the highlight in the art programme to celebrate the Khai ha (going down to the field) festival of the Muong ethnic group in Hoa Binh province in 2023.

Artists in Phu Cuong commune (Tan Lac) practice before entering the official competitions at Khai ha (going down to the field) festival in 2023.

This year, the most important traditional festival, a national intangible cultural heritage, of the Muong people in Hoa Binh was held at the provincial level for the first time, attracting the participation of all the four Muong regions. Many activities were held in honour of the unique values of the Muong ethnic culture in general, and the group’s traditional music in particular.

According to meritorious artist Bui Ngoc Thuan in Thu Phong commune (Cao Phong), through the traditional musical genres, the soul of the Muong ethnic group is expressed intact in contemporary life. like other Muong regions, Muong Thang, his hometown, in recent years has actively preserved the ethnic cultural identity with the determination to maintain and promote traditional cultural values. Through many practical activities such as cultural and artistic exchanges, organisation of inter-generational clubs, he said he was pleased to see that the soul of the Muong ethnic culture has been preserved and honoured. That is the solid spiritual foundation for generations of Hoa Binh people to continue to build a new cultural life in their beautiful homeland.

Building a cultural conservation area for Muong ethnic group in Luy Ai hamlet

Phong Phu commune, Tan Lac district of Hoa Binh province, is widely regarded as the cultural heartland of the Muong ethnic group. Among its many traditional communities, Luy Ai hamlet (formerly Ai hamlet) stands out as a rare location where the customs and way of life of the Muong Bi people remain largely intact.

Truong Kha temple festival celebrates Muong cultural heritage

The Truong Kha temple festival, a distinctive cultural event held every three years in Vu Ban township, Lac Son district, returned recently with vibrant rituals and folk traditions of the Muong people. Located next to the Buoi River in the Muong Trao fields, the Truong Kha Temple is dedicated to the three Kun Dol deities, revered for teaching farming techniques, irrigation, weaving, and protecting the harvest.

Hoa Binh city residents enjoy upgraded cultural houses

The demand for spaces serving community activities of residents in various areas across Hoa Binh city has been satisfied as local cultural houses now feature modern, spacious facilities thanks to the effective implementation of Resolution No. 49/NQ-HDND issued on December 28, 2021 by the city People's Council, which approved the plan for reorganising, converting, and allocating land for the construction, repair, and expansion of cultural houses in Hoa Binh’s villages and residential areas until 2025.

Enhancing cultural and spiritual life in remote and ethnic minority areas

At the end of May, the Hoa Binh Provincial Ethnic Arts Troupe organized a series of performances for residents in Region 2 and Region 3 communes across the province. Bringing art to ethnic communities in remote, isolated, and especially disadvantaged areas has become a meaningful activity. These are not merely artistic performances but also journeys to disseminate cultural values, enrich spiritual life, and contribute to preserving the cultural identity of ethnic minorities.

Preserving the traditional brocade weaving craft of the H’Mong people in Pa Co commune

In recent years, alongside the development of a tourism-oriented economy, the traditional brocade weaving craft of the Mong people in Pa Co Commune, Mai Chau district has been gradually preserved and promoted. It has become a unique indigenous cultural feature, contributing to improving the livelihoods of the ethnic minority community.

Hop Tien commune preserves and promotes the cultural identity of the Muong ethnic group

Hop Tien commune, Kim Boi district, Hoa Binh province is home to nearly 1,260 households with a population of over 5,700 people, 98% of whom are of the Muong ethnic group. Besides economic development, the commune places special emphasis on preserving and promoting the cultural identity of the Muong people.