Thach Lap cultural tourism fair - the colors of the mountains and forests

(Baothanhhoa.vn) - Although it has not been in operation for long, the Thach Lap cultural tourism market model in Thach Lap commune has been creating its own unique flavor of the highland market. This is not only a direction to contribute to improving the spiritual life of the people, but also to create more products to attract tourists when coming to Lap Thang village community tourism.

The cultural performances, rich in traditional Muong ethnic culture, took place at the Thach Lap cultural and tourism market in Thach Lap commune.

In line with the policy of developing community tourism associated with preserving and promoting traditional cultural identity, Thach Lap commune organized the opening of the Thach Lap Cultural Tourism Market at the beginning of 2025 at the Lap Thang village community tourism site. The market has about 10 stalls, each with its own unique charm, from traditional items such as brocade dresses and shirts to characteristic local agricultural products.

One of the unique features of the Thach Lap cultural tourism market is the diversity and abundance of local products. Before the market day, people in the commune spend time preparing goods to sell. Some wrap sticky rice cakes, honey cakes, and fragrant sticky rice cakes, while others carry bags of new sticky rice, bunches of wild vegetables, bunches of ripe bananas, or some grapefruits and oranges from the garden...

When visiting Thach Lap market, Mrs. Pham Thi Oanh only brought a dozen chicken eggs and a few bunches of wild vegetables. She happily shared: "Even with just a few bunches of vegetables or eggs, I still bring my chicken to the market to sell. Here, I get to meet people, ask about their health, and sometimes there are even foreign tourists, so it's very lively!"

Unlike daily markets, the Thach Lap cultural and tourism market only meets on Saturdays, making it a highly anticipated event for the locals. Visitors of all ages, from young children to the elderly, flock to the market, creating a bustling atmosphere from morning till night. All of this contributes to a vibrant and picturesque market scene, rich in the colors and flavors of the mountains and forests, serving both economic and cultural purposes, and promoting the image of the homeland to tourists from near and far.

Today, the lives of the Muong people here have improved significantly. Visiting the Thach Lap cultural and tourism market, tourists can not only enjoy local specialties but also immerse themselves in Muong culture through unique performances by cultural and artistic clubs in the commune. The "artists" performing at the market are not strangers; they are local people themselves. They are members of cultural and artistic clubs in the commune. During the day, they are farmers familiar with working in the fields and on the farms, or small traders selling vegetables and fish in the market. They are officials and civil servants, both current and retired... At night, they don brightly colored traditional costumes, becoming dedicated artists serving tourists and locals. The dances and songs praising the Party, President Ho Chi Minh, their homeland, the country, and the progress and development of the ethnic minorities in the highlands all bear the distinctive characteristics of local culture, delighting visitors from afar.

Although their dance moves and songs may not be as polished, precise, and professional as those of professional singers, everyone present at the market could feel the dedication of the village artists. It was their passion and intense love for traditional culture and arts that ignited the spirit in these simple, honest farmers of the mountains.

Amidst the dazzling lights, the lively laughter and the rich aromas of the mountains, the market has added a unique touch to the community tourism landscape of Thach Lap. It is evident that organizing and maintaining the Thach Lap cultural tourism market model has proven its necessity and correctness, not only contributing to increased income for local people but also meeting the experiential needs of tourists, becoming a meeting point for human connection and the vibrant culture of the mountainous region. We believe that with the attention, investment, and cooperation of the local government and people, the Thach Lap cultural tourism market will become an attractive destination, captivating tourists from near and far.

Article and photos: Ha Hong

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/cho-phien-van-hoa-du-lich-thach-lap-nbsp-huong-sac-nui-rung-260681.htm