Preserving and promoting traditional cultural values in festivals

Bac Yen is a mountainous district with 7 ethnic groups: Mong, Thai, Muong, Dao, Kho Mu, Tay and Kinh living together. Each ethnic group has its own unique cultural features, expressed through festivals, customs, practices, rituals, costumes, traditional occupations, etc. The district always focuses on preserving and promoting the traditional cultural values of the ethnic groups, associated with tourism development.

The "Golden Season Festival" in Xim Vang commune is organized to attract people and tourists to participate in the experience.

The restoration and preservation of traditional festivals have always been of interest to Bac Yen district, such as: the Harvest Festival of the Dao ethnic group in Phieng Con commune; the Ban Xen Festival of the Thai ethnic group in Cang Hop village, Phieng Ban commune; the Cultural and Sports Festival of Hang Chu commune; the Highland Fair; the Golden Harvest Festival of Xim Vang commune and the Festival in the homeland of A Phu couple in Hong Ngai commune...

Festivals and festivals are not only an opportunity for people to express their feelings and gratitude to their ancestors, but also an opportunity for ethnic minorities in the district to promote typical agricultural products, such as: Ta Xua tea, Hang Chu wine, chili bamboo shoots, thang co cuisine , sticky rice cakes... Participating in folk games such as pa pao throwing, con throwing, crossbow shooting, tug of war, tu lu fighting..., contributing to preserving and promoting the traditional cultural values of ethnic groups in the area.

Introducing local agricultural products at the "Golden Season Festival" of Xim Vang commune.

Mr. Bui Ngoc Thang, Head of the Department of Culture and Information of Bac Yen district, informed: In recent years, the management and organization of festivals in the area have been given attention. A number of traditional festivals have been restored, maintained, organized solemnly, practically, economically, creating a joyful and healthy atmosphere; linking festival activities with tourism promotion and development, attracting a large number of visitors, cultural exchange, preserving and promoting traditional cultural values, religious rituals, and folk games in festivals.

The terraced fields in the highlands of Bac Yen are a beautiful work of human labor conquering nature. In the ripe rice season, the terraced fields are like a golden carpet spread across the hillsides, standing out among the majestic mountains. This year, for the first time, Xim Vang commune organized the "Golden Season Festival" to introduce to visitors the beauty of the terraced fields, as well as promote the land and people here.

Mr. Giang A Nhenh, Chairman of the People's Committee of Xim Vang Commune, said: Organizing the festival is an opportunity for the commune to honor the cultural and labor values; the spirit of solidarity, overcoming difficulties and rising up in the lives of the Mong people. At the same time, it promotes the image of friendly and hospitable people, unique culture and golden season scenery in Xim Vang, the beauty of nature, a meeting place for faraway tourists who love to explore.

Promoting the cultural values of historical relics associated with tourism is also of interest to Bac Yen district. On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the birth of the work "A Phu's Wife" by writer To Hoai, Hong Ngai commune organized the "On the homeland of A Phu's wife" festival with many exciting and impressive activities, attracting a large number of people and tourists to participate.

Mr. Lau A Tua, Chairman of the People's Committee of Hong Ngai Commune, said: Through the festival, the commune hopes to introduce the cultural features and historical and cultural values of A Phu Cave to everyone. From there, it will motivate people in the commune to continue to preserve, maintain and promote the value of historical and cultural relics, and exploit tourism potential.

Tourists take photos with Mong ethnic people in the terraced fields of Xim Vang commune.

Festivals are organized in a civilized manner, ensuring compliance with regulations; contributing to promoting the image of the land and people of the mountainous district of Bac Yen to tourists inside and outside the province. From a locality not named on the tourism map, Bac Yen is now emerging as an attractive destination for tourists. In 2023, Bac Yen district welcomed more than 130,000 visitors, with revenue reaching 83 billion VND.

Rice cake pounding competition at the Festival "On the homeland of A Phu's wife".

Ms. Nguyen Thi Huyen, a tourist from Long An province, shared: What impressed me most was the wild and majestic beauty of the mountain landscape here. I had the opportunity to experience traditional rituals, enjoy local specialties and participate in cultural activities imbued with the identity of the ethnic minorities in the highlands.

Panpipe dance competition at the foot of A Phu cave, Hong Ngai commune.

Comrade Do Van Xiem, Standing Deputy Secretary of the District Party Committee, Chairman of the District People's Council, Head of the Steering Committee for Tourism Development of Bac Yen District, said: The District Party Committee has issued a Project on tourism development of Bac Yen District for the period 2021-2025, with the goal of creating a destination image and tourism brand with its own characteristics of Bac Yen District; in the direction of green and sustainable tourism, associated with preserving and promoting traditional cultural values; connecting tourism with key tourist areas of the province and the country. The district will select and raise the scale of some festivals of communes to the district level and make them annual events, promoting Bac Yen culture and tourism.

The attention and focus of the Party Committee and the government of Bac Yen district on organizing traditional festivals associated with promoting tourism potential will contribute to preserving and maintaining traditional cultural identity, meeting the cultural needs of ethnic groups in the area.

Huy Thanh

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