Preserving and promoting the value of the national intangible cultural heritage "The craft of making Pia cakes"

(CTO) - Over the past three years of implementing the Project on Preserving and Promoting the Value of the National Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Traditional Craft of "Pia Cake Making," the traditional craft of making Pia cakes has not only been preserved and standardized but has also gradually become a typical cultural tourism product.

On the afternoon of December 16th, in Phu Loi ward, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism organized a conference to announce the results of the implementation of the Project on Preserving and Promoting the Value of the National Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Traditional Craft of "Pia Cake Making" in Phu Tam, An Ninh and Thuan Hoa communes, Can Tho City.

The scene at the conference.

At the conference, Mr. Sam Long Giang, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Can Tho City, stated: “The craft of making Pia cakes was included in the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on September 30, 2020. This is a typical traditional craft, deeply rooted in the cultural identity of the Chinese community in Soc Trang, now part of Can Tho City. Preserving the craft of making Pia cakes not only has cultural significance but is also an important task to promote the advantages of local specialties, linking them with tourism development and improving the community economy .”

The project was implemented from 2022 to 2025 with a total budget of 1.027 billion VND. The survey targeted traditional craft villages and households producing and selling Pia cakes within the Chinese community in Phu Tam, An Ninh, and Thuan Hoa communes. Over three years of implementation, the project achieved significant goals in inventorying and cataloging heritage. Specifically, the implementing unit produced a documentary film about the handcrafted production process, digitized 300 images, and collected 69 artifacts related to the craft. Notably, the Soc Trang Museum (currently under the management of Can Tho City) displayed and documented 50 images and 40 artifacts for public presentation. The most significant result of the project is the noticeable shift in the awareness of the community and artisans regarding the Pia cake making craft. The traditional Pia cake making craft in the area is not only preserved and standardized but is also gradually becoming a typical cultural tourism product.

Delegates watch artisans make Pia cakes.

Delegates attending the conference also had the opportunity to watch artisans demonstrate the making of Pia cakes and enjoy them on the spot. They also visited and learned about the exhibition showcasing the Pia cake-making techniques of the Chinese community.

The groups were commended.

On this occasion, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism awarded commendations to 6 collectives and 6 individuals for their outstanding achievements in the preservation and promotion of the national intangible cultural heritage of the traditional craft of "Pia cake making" in Phu Tam commune, An Ninh commune, and Thuan Hoa commune.

Photo credit: THANH TAM

Source: https://baocantho.com.vn/bao-ton-va-phat-huy-gia-tri-di-san-van-hoa-phi-vat-the-quoc-gia-nghe-lam-banh-pia--a195561.html