Unlocking the 'gold mine' of intangible cultural heritage.

Possessing a rich and diverse treasure trove of intangible cultural heritage, Hai Phong is facing a great opportunity to transform traditional values ​​into a resource for development.

The Le Chan Female General Festival is celebrated solemnly with many rich and attractive activities.

Rich heritage

Hai Phong currently possesses a treasure trove of intangible cultural heritage considered to be among the richest in the Northern coastal region. The city has dozens of listed heritage sites, including 24 national-level heritage sites. Notable examples include famous festivals such as Con Son – Kiet Bac, Tranh Temple, Cao An Phu Temple, Do Son buffalo fighting festival, Le Chan female general festival, Minh The festival, along with folk art forms such as Trong Quan singing, Ca Tru singing, Dum singing, and water puppetry. In particular, the two UNESCO-listed heritage sites – the Tam Phu Mother Goddess worship of the Vietnamese people and Ca Tru singing – affirm the unique cultural value of Hai Phong, which holds international significance. This is not only a source of pride but also a responsibility in preserving and promoting these heritages.

The highlight is that the heritage is mainly concentrated in three groups: folk performing arts, social customs, and traditional festivals. These are all forms with a high degree of community involvement, directly practiced and preserved by the people.

Distinguished artisan Nguyen Thi Thu Hang, Head of the Hai Phong Traditional Folk Art Club, who has been involved with the art of Ca Tru singing for many years, shared: "Heritage is not just something to see, but something to live with. As long as there are performers and audiences, the heritage will continue to exist."

Not only is Hai Phong's heritage abundant in quantity, but it is also widely distributed, linked to each cultural region. From the coastal areas of Do Son and Cat Hai to the plains of An Duong, Ninh Giang, and Tran Hung Dao, each locality possesses its own unique values, creating a vibrant tapestry of regional culture.

However, in the context of urbanization and integration, many forms of heritage are facing the risk of disappearing. Practice spaces are shrinking, the next generation of artisans is dwindling, while the cultural tastes of young people are changing rapidly. This creates an urgent need to bring heritage back to life through new approaches.

Bringing heritage to life in modern times.

Possessing numerous intangible cultural heritage sites is a significant advantage that will contribute to the future development of Hai Phong's cultural industry. Photo: THANH CHUNG

In recent years, Hai Phong has implemented many practical solutions to preserve and promote the value of intangible cultural heritage.

First and foremost, the inventory, documentation, and registration of heritage sites have been implemented systematically. The development of databases and the documentation of heritage sites help to improve the effectiveness of management and long-term preservation.

In addition, the city pays special attention to the team of artisans – those who directly possess and pass on the heritage. Policies to honor and support them are implemented to encourage them to continue preserving and passing on their skills.

According to Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Tien of the Hai Phong Folk Arts Association, the main subject of heritage is the community. When people actively participate in creating and practicing heritage, it will have greater and more sustainable vitality.

One highlight is the organization of large-scale cultural activities and festivals, creating a space for heritage to be practiced and disseminated. Events such as the Red Flamboyant Flower Festival and street art performances have attracted a large number of locals and tourists.

Notably, many traditional art forms have been "revitalized" through programs such as "The Light Up Theater" and "Hai Phong Television Stage," helping art reach the public through television and digital platforms.

In addition, the transmission of heritage is being strengthened through cultural clubs and schools. Introducing heritage into schools helps the younger generation understand and access heritage in a natural way.

Hai Phong is also accelerating digital transformation in the cultural sector, building a heritage data system, digitizing performance activities, and promoting them on digital platforms. This is an important step to make heritage more accessible to the public, especially young people. In the long term, the city aims to develop the cultural industry, considering heritage as a resource for building distinctive tourism and art products. Linking heritage with economic development not only helps to enhance its value but also creates momentum for preservation. However, for heritage to truly be effective, it is necessary to continue implementing a comprehensive set of solutions: improving policies to support artisans; promoting social participation; linking heritage with sustainable tourism; strengthening heritage education; and applying digital technology.

According to Xẩm singing artist Đào Bạch Linh, head of the Hải Phòng Xẩm troupe, heritage only lives on when there are people who practice and enjoy it. If exploited correctly, heritage will become a resource for development, not just a memory.

With its rich heritage and comprehensive solutions, Hai Phong is gradually unlocking its intangible cultural "gold mine." When heritage is preserved alongside creativity and development, it is not only about preserving the past but also about building the future – a future where culture becomes an intrinsic driving force for a modern, distinctive port city.

LINH HUY

Source: https://baohaiphong.vn/danh-thuc-mo-vang-di-san-van-hoa-phi-vat-the-540484.html