The unique cultural space of the traditional market.

Market fairs are vibrant cultural spaces, destinations for interaction, trade, and promoting national identity, while also strengthening community solidarity. Many such markets still exist in the mountainous communes of Phu Tho province.

A place where spiritual values ​​converge.

In the mountainous communes of Phu Tho province, many markets still operate on a periodic basis, such as: Ranh Market - Muong Dong commune, Tan Lap Market - Muong Vang commune, Vo Market - Nhan Nghia commune, Ngoc Son Market - Ngoc Son commune, Bo Market - Van Son commune, Pa Co Market - Pa Co commune, Pheo Market - Tan Pheo commune, Tan Minh Market - Cao Son commune, Muong Chieng Market - Duc Nhan commune, Yen Hoa Market - Quy Duc commune... These markets are located near the commune center or along rivers and lakes. Periodic markets usually take place on fixed days of the week or on special holidays, typically lasting from early morning until early afternoon.

The ethnic minority people bring a wide variety of products to the market for exchange.

The most unique local markets include the Bo Market in Van Son commune, the Pa Co Market in Pa Co commune, the Pheo Market in Tan Pheo commune, and the Tan Minh Market in Cao Son commune. These highland markets offer a glimpse into the vibrant community life and culture, with colorful ethnic costumes, abundant mountain produce, and lively social interactions.

Traditional ethnic costumes are brought to the market by the Hmong people.

According to Ms. Xa Thi Ninh from Phon hamlet, Tan Pheo commune, about 30 or 40 years ago, travel conditions were very difficult. People in the highlands lived tens of kilometers away from the market, and going to the market required walking or riding horses. Therefore, many places in the region formed makeshift markets (temporary markets) the day before.

Nowadays, with the widespread use of motorbikes, the journey to the market is more convenient and shorter. However, some people still maintain the habit of walking to the market. In particular, people go to the market with the intention of meeting relatives and friends, socializing, and enjoying the cultural activities, especially the food . Almost everyone who goes to the market dresses nicely and greets each other in a friendly manner. People also freely choose from the various forms of entertainment and recreation organized within the market space. Therefore, people often say that going to the market is like going out to have fun.

People in the highlands still maintain the tradition of gathering to go to Tan Minh market, which is held every Thursday.

What is easily noticeable at many markets is that ethnic minority people are concerned with preserving their cultural identity through their language and clothing. At the market, buying and selling takes place regardless of the value of the goods; sometimes it's just a chicken, a dozen eggs, a pig, or simply a few bundles of sugarcane, some vegetables, or a few bunches of fruit that the family has grown themselves...

The market is also a place where traditional cultural and artistic activities take place. People go to the market to learn more about the people and appreciate the beauty unfolding in everyday life.

"Cultural specialties" associated with exploratory and experiential tourism .

In this era of technological advancement, a wealth of domestic and international entertainment, culture, and arts programs attract people through the internet and smartphones. Consequently, a segment of the population is losing interest in traditional cultural activities at local markets. The space for these markets is shrinking, and their economic function is increasingly overshadowing their inherent cultural significance.

Held every Tuesday, the Cattle Market is a bustling trading hub, attracting tourists to explore the traditional culture and people of Van Son commune in the highlands.

Along with building models and methods for preserving the distinctive traditional markets of ethnic minorities, the Party committees and authorities of some localities have been paying attention to promoting the "dual" economic and cultural functions of traditional markets in the highlands.

For example, in Pà Cò commune, the Pà Cò market, held regularly every Sunday, has become a meeting point for cultural exchange among the Mong ethnic group, contributing to the development of tourism. The locality has also creatively and proactively developed the "Pà Cò Night Market" tourism product, exploiting the attractive traditional cultural values ​​to draw tourists. Meanwhile, in Vân Sơn commune, the Cattle Market, held every Tuesday, is one of the must-see destinations in the Vân Sơn highland tourism exploration tour.

Local markets, rich in indigenous culture, are one of the attractive experiential tourism products on the journey to explore highland tourist destinations.

Comrade Bui Xuan Truong - Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said: "To preserve the culture of the traditional market fair in conjunction with the development of tourism, the province is strengthening the promotion of cultural identity and organizing highland market fair activities in conjunction with major local holidays. We are stepping up propaganda and promotion to enhance the value and actively spread the unique cultural beauty of the traditional market fair in connection with tourism development through various rich forms suitable for each region and locality."

Bui Minh

Source: https://baophutho.vn/doc-dao-khong-gian-van-hoa-cho-phien-246567.htm