Veterans uphold their legacy.

Amidst the cultural space of Cai Rang Floating Market - a national intangible cultural heritage, members of the Cai Rang Ward Veterans' Traditional Music Club performed Southern Vietnamese traditional music - which has been inscribed by UNESCO as a representative intangible cultural heritage of humanity. This blend and spread of national cultural elements contributed to creating a strong impression on tourists visiting Tay Do (Can Tho).

A gathering on the floating market by the Veterans' Traditional Music Club of Cai Rang Ward.

Sounds of the Homeland on a Floating Raft

As the first rays of sunlight touch the river, the Cai Rang Floating Market becomes its busiest. Amidst the sounds of engines, waves, and the calls of traders, there are also the melodies of traditional music and songs from a simple raft. This is the familiar meeting place for members of the Cai Rang Ward Veteran Traditional Music Club every other Sunday morning. Each meeting takes place from 6 am to 8 am. The club has 19 members, all former military personnel; many now have graying hair but remain as enthusiastic about community activities as ever.

Mr. Phan Thanh Dung, Chairman of the Veteran's Traditional Music Club of Cai Rang Ward, shared: "We established the club primarily to create a meaningful playground for our comrades and the people in the ward. But more importantly, through our songs, we want to incorporate the dissemination of the Party and State's policies and guidelines, and work with the local community to build a cultured way of life, especially in this key floating market area."

A bridge between the past and the present.

The club's appeal lies not only in the members' skillful instrumental playing and sweet, melodious singing, but also in the content of each song. Woven into the melodies of Southern Vietnamese folk music, familiar folk songs and traditional tunes, are themes of love for the homeland, indomitable national pride, and the solidarity between the military and civilians. Ms. Nguyen Thi Anh Hoa, a member of the club, shared: “As veterans, we sing with all our hearts and memories. We want to convey our love for our homeland, so that tourists and everyone who listens will better understand and be proud of the beauty of our national culture.”

The captivating melodies of the folk songs have truly become a unique highlight of the floating market. Many visitors from afar, when visiting Cai Rang Floating Market, choose to stop here to enjoy the music. Mr. Nguyen Viet Khoa, a tourist from An Giang province, enthusiastically said: “Interacting with the locals here is very enjoyable and heartwarming. The simple songs and melodies amidst the river scenery make me feel more connected to this land, and I will definitely come back many more times.”

The appreciation of tourists, the applause, and the enthusiastic gazes of everyone, especially the students, are the sweet rewards of the heritage preservation journey of the members of the Cai Rang Ward Veterans' Traditional Music Club. Amidst the bustling Cai Rang Floating Market, the sounds of traditional music provide a solid foundation for preserving and spreading the precious heritage of our ancestors.

Text and photos: AI LE

Source: https://baocantho.com.vn/cuu-chien-binh-phat-huy-di-san-a201964.html