Through ups and downs, many unique cultural features of the Muong ethnic minority group are facing risks of falling into oblivion. However, with a strong determination, Lac Son district of Hoa Binh province has deployed synchronous solutions to preserve and promote the locality's cultural heritage values.
An art programme to honour and spread the Muong ethnic minority group’s cultural values
Recently, the district has issued nine resolutions, including Resolution No. 08-NQ/HU dated December 20, 2021 on preserving and promoting the Muong ethnic minority group's cultural identity.
Currently, the district has 196 relic sites, including three national and 13 provincial-level sites. The relic sites have been restored to meet the spiritual and cultural demands of people, contributing to the locality’s socio-economic development.
In 2023, the district submitted a dossier to the provincial People's Committee and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism for recognition of Trai cave in Tan Lap commune and stone roof of Vanh village in Yen Phu commune as special national relic sites.
The mobilisation of resources for the protection and promotion of relic values from the state budget, revenues from relics' activities and social sources have been stepped up. The activities of collecting, inventorying, preserving and displaying artifacts have made positive changes.
Bui Van Duong, Vice Chairman of the Lac Son district People's Committee, said that currently, there are nine traditional folk festivals in the area that have been restored and maintained to attract tourists. Since 2020, the district has proposed all levels submit 15 applications to the State Council. The State President conferred titles on eight artisans, including seven meritorious artisans and one people's artisan.
In the period of 2019 - 2023, the district People's committee directed relevant agencies to open more than 10 cultural heritage teaching classes on Muong gong, mo Muong, and brocade weaving, helping to preserve and promote cultural heritage values of the local Muong ethnic people in the locality.
As part of Project 6 under the national target program for socio-economic development in ethnic minority and mountainous areas in 2024, Lạc Sơn District, Hoa Binh province focuses on diverse and practical activities to promote the project's goal: "Preserving and promoting the beautiful traditional cultural values of ethnic groups in conjunction with tourism development."
After 3 years of implementing Resolution No. 04-NQ/TU, dated October 11, 2021 of the Provincial Party Standing Committee on preserving and promoting the cultural heritage values of Hoa Binh province's ethnic groups in the period of 2021 – 2025 with the orientation to 2030 (NQ04), it has mobilized the participation of the entire political system, the people from all walks of life and there have been positive changes. So far, out of the 10 targets of NQ04, 3 targets have been met and exceeded the plan set for 2025. Typically, 70% of the intangible cultural heritage (ICH) of ethnic groups in the province is on the list of the national ICH items and they have been protected and restored, exceeding 20% of the proposed Resolution.
Great National Unity Day has been recently celebrated in Duong hamlet, Vay Nua commune, Da Bac district, in an atmosphere of warmth and community spirit. The event highlighted national identity and strengthened the bond of solidarity among residents.
On November 28, the People's Committee of Cao Phong district organized the Cultural and Sports Festival of Cao Phong district's ethnic groups in 2024.