Mai Chau district of Hoa Binh province is endowed by nature with picturesque landscapes. It also boasts traditional culture and arts of local Thai, Muong, Mong, Dao ethnic minority groups to help the locality to develop tourism associated with cultural conservation and promotion.
The art of "keng loong” dance of the Thai ethnic group in Mai Chau district was recognised as a national intangible cultural heritage by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in 2023.
The art of folk dances and singing is an indispensable part of the ethnic minority groups’ culture. To date, ethnic dances and musical instruments still retain their values in the spiritual life of local ethnic people. The dances are restored at traditional festivals, mass cultural performances, and amateur art shows.
Khap singing artisan Ha Thi Bich in Xam Pa village shared that folk singing clubs not only bring spiritual significance and connect the community but also contribute to promoting and preserving the art of Thai ethnic’s folk singing, particularly among young generations.
Currently, Mai Chau district has 183 art groups, of which 138 teams have been established under decision of the district People's Committee. They have regularly organised exchanges and performances in communes and hamlets in the district, attracting the participation of a large number of people, creating a joyful and exciting atmosphere, promoting local socio-economic development.
In order to preserve and promote folk performing arts widely, every year, the district’s culture, sports and communication centre coordinates with relevant authorities to organise cultural and sports festivals among ethnic people such as Gau Tao festival of the Mong people, Xen Muong festival of the Thai people to help bolster exchanges and strengthen solidarity among ethnic groups in the locality.
To preserve the folk arts of all ethnic groups, in addition to the attention, leadership and direction of administrations at all levels, it is necessary to have the participation of people from all walks of life in preserving and promoting the values of national culture. This not only helps preserve traditional cultural beauty, but also contributes to promoting the image of Mai Chau and its people to domestic and foreign tourists.
Once a vibrant part of the daily life for the Muong ethnic group in Hoa Binh province, traditional Muong singing styles such as "thuong rang bo meng” and "hat dup giao duyen” had faded over time. Today, local authorities and communities are working to restore and celebrate this cultural art form, recognising its value in preserving the group’s heritage.
Gau Tao Festival, one of the most important traditional festivals of the Mong ethnic minority group in Mai Chau district was held at the Pa Co stadium in Pa Co commune on January 11.
The ancient stone engravings dating back thousands of years in Suoi Co valley in My Thanh commune, Lac Son district, used to astonished domestic archaeologists. What their meaning is and what message they convey are the questions to which scientists are seeking answers.
Preserving and promoting unique cultural identities of ethnic communities in Hoa Binh province is considered a crucial task amid in the international integration trend.
More than just a cultural and historical attraction, the Muong Cultural Heritage Museum is playing a vital role in fostering sustainable tourism in the Northwestern region of Vietnam, particularly in Hoa Binh province. It stands as a model for the emerging trend of "responsible tourism," cleverly blending the preservation of cultural heritage with community economic development, raising awareness of Muong ethnic cultural values while promoting green tourism and sustainable growth.
The provincial Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism on December 24 organised a conference to report on the results of collecting, researching, restoring, and preserving "Bi doi”, a musical instrument of the airophonic family and a traditional instrument of the Muong ethnic people in Da Bac district.
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