Traditional Bài Chòi enters a new rhythm.

(GLO) - Following the reorganization of administrative units, folk Bài Chòi clubs have gradually dwindled in many localities of the former Binh Dinh province. Continuing to preserve and promote this folk Bài Chòi art form, in addition to the province's attention, requires proactive efforts from wards and communes, as well as the dedication of the artisans.

Prior to the merger, most districts, towns, and cities in Binh Dinh province, such as Quy Nhon, Tuy Phuoc, An Nhon, Phu My, Phu Cat, Hoai Nhon, and some communes and wards, had folk Bai Choi clubs that operated quite regularly.

In reality, in many localities, the Bài Chòi clubs have been disbanded or temporarily suspended after administrative unit reorganization.

The policies issued by the province are expected to "keep the flame alive" of Bài Chòi (a traditional Vietnamese folk game) in the new operational context. Photo: Ngọc Nhuận

Meritorious Artisan Nguyen Minh Toan - Chairman of the Folk Bài Chòi Club of the former An Nhon town - shared: “Bài Chòi hasn't disappeared. The artisans are still there and very dedicated. But perhaps the rearrangement and adjustment of administrative boundaries, changes in personnel, along with focusing on other urgent socio-economic development tasks, have caused cultural activities at the grassroots level to stagnate somewhat in recent times. The attention given to the preservation and promotion of the folk Bài Chòi art form has not been truly commensurate.”

Amidst this somewhat subdued landscape, some localities have created "bright spots" by establishing, maintaining, and strengthening folk Bài Chòi clubs to continue their activities. In Tam Quan ward, building upon the former Bài Chòi club of Hoai Nhon town, the ward's People's Committee has gathered and established a folk Bài Chòi club with 32 members, maintaining training and performances.

Meritorious Artist Ly Thanh Long - Chairman of the Tam Quan Ward Bài Chòi Club - said: “In addition to maintaining the club's activities, the ward also creates conditions for us to introduce Bài Chòi into schools. Currently, the club's artists are directly teaching students at Tam Quan Secondary School and Hoai Chau Secondary School. This is a fundamental way to ensure that Bài Chòi is not only preserved but also spread to the younger generation.”

Maintaining the activities of the folk Bài Chòi club and teaching Bài Chòi to students has created a bridge for the heritage to continue spreading among the younger generation in Tam Quan ward. Photo: Ngoc Nhuan

According to Mr. Vo Tan Cuong, Vice Chairman of the Tam Quan Ward People's Committee, the preservation and promotion of the value of folk Bài Chòi will continue to be a priority for the local authorities, in order to effectively implement the Party and State's policy on preserving national cultural identity.

"Organizing training, teaching, and performances of folk Bài Chòi is also a way to preserve the traditional cultural practices of the community in today's life," Mr. Cương emphasized.

In Tuy Phuoc commune, the People's Committee has reviewed and gathered the artisans of the former Bai Choi clubs in Tuy Phuoc town and Phuoc Nghia and Phuoc Loc communes to consolidate and establish the Tuy Phuoc commune Bai Choi club, maintaining activities associated with local events and festivals.

Meritorious Artist Nguyen Phu - Chairman of the Bai Choi Club in Tuy Phuoc commune - said: "Reorganizing according to the new model helps folk Bai Choi continue to exist. For the upcoming Tet Binh Ngo 2026, the commune will provide funding for the Bai Choi Club to operate and perform at the Cho Go Festival."

The Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism has compiled a list of former amateur Bài Chòi clubs and Hát Bội (traditional Vietnamese opera) troupes and sent it to the newly established wards and communes for review, establishment, and maintenance; and advised on the development of a project to preserve Hát Bội and Bài Chòi art for the period 2026-2030 to be submitted to the Provincial People's Committee for promulgation.

This will also serve as a basis for localities to confidently maintain the effective operation of folk Bài Chòi clubs, encouraging artisans to remain committed to practicing and passing on this heritage.”

Mr. Huynh Van Loi - Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism

At its 5th session, the Provincial People's Council passed Resolution No. 97/NQ-HĐND dated December 9, 2025, stipulating the application of Resolution No. 13/NQ-HĐND dated July 12, 2024, of the 13th term of the Binh Dinh Provincial People's Council on a number of policies for preserving and promoting the value of traditional art forms in Binh Dinh province for the period 2024-2028.

From there, policies will continue to support artisans, maintain club activities, organize the teaching and performance of traditional arts, including folk Bài Chòi.

Mr. Thai Van Thuan, Vice Chairman of the Tuy Phuoc Commune People's Committee, said: "The province's policies are the foundation for the locality to preserve Bai Choi and Hat Boi in the new operational rhythm. In the commune's cultural tourism development orientation, folk Bai Choi will contribute to attracting tourists."

The commune will create conditions for artisans to interact, teach, and introduce traditional art forms into schools, thereby arousing pride and responsibility in preserving the traditional cultural identity of the community, especially the younger generation.”

From localities deeply committed to heritage, and with the dedication of artisans, the chanting of Bài Chòi folk songs still resonates in a simple and endearing way. This is not only about "keeping the flame alive" of a folk art form, but also a way of cherishing and continuing the precious legacy left by our ancestors.

Source: https://baogialai.com.vn/bai-choi-dan-gian-vao-nhip-moi-post577700.html