Preserving and transmitting valuable cultural values.

Việt Nam•06/11/2023

In Vietnam, 14 ethnic groups with populations under 10,000 people (including: Si La, Lu, Cong, Bo Y, Ngai, Chut, B'Rau, Ro Mam, O Du, Mang, Lo Lo, Pa Then, Co Lao, Pu Peo) live in 11 provinces: Lai Chau, Dien Bien, Yen Bai, Lao Cai, Ha Giang, Cao Bang, Tuyen Quang, Thai Nguyen, Nghe An, Quang Binh, and Kon Tum. The traditional culture of these ethnic minorities is a precious heritage. It is not only the property of a particular region, people, or locality, but also an invaluable asset of the nation, contributing to the diversity and unity of Vietnamese culture. Traditional cultural values are always strengthened and preserved by the Party, the State, the entire political system, and the ethnic minorities themselves.

A circle dance symbolizing unity at the opening ceremony of the festival.

General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong once said: "Culture is the identity of a nation; as long as culture exists, the nation exists; when culture is lost, the nation is lost." Therefore, the strong interaction between domestic and foreign cultures, and between different ethnic groups within the country, poses a risk of losing the integrity of each ethnic group's culture. Consequently, the 2023 Lai Chau Provincial Tourism and Culture Week, organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in coordination with the Provincial People's Committee, is themed: "Preserving, promoting, and spreading the traditional cultural identity of ethnic groups with very small populations." Through the activities of the festival, a particularly meaningful cultural space was created where cultural figures, artisans, performers, and athletes from ethnic minority groups had the opportunity to meet, interact, and share valuable experiences in preserving, maintaining, and promoting traditional cultural values. This significantly contributed to building Vietnamese culture and people, creating momentum for realizing the aspiration of a prosperous and happy nation in accordance with the policies and guidelines of the Party and the State.

The ritual of welcoming the first thunder of the year is the oldest and most sacred custom of the O Du people.

At the festival, locals and tourists can immerse themselves in a vibrant atmosphere and participate in many cultural and sporting activities rich in local identity, such as: a folk art festival; a performance of traditional ethnic costumes; performances and presentations of excerpts from festivals and cultural rituals; exhibitions and promotions of local traditional culture; displays, preparation, and introductions of culinary arts; sports activities and traditional ethnic games. In addition, there are activities to promote tourism and a program to honor and commend outstanding artisans and those who have made significant contributions to the preservation and transmission of traditional culture of the 14 ethnic groups participating in the festival. Locals and tourists can admire the beauty of traditional costumes, enjoy elaborately performed artistic performances; and immerse themselves in the festival atmosphere connected to the spiritual and religious life of the ethnic groups through the skillful and talented performances of artisans in the rituals. Participating in sports and folk games. In Lai Chau, delegations also had the opportunity to experience and participate in many meaningful activities of the Lai Chau Tourism and Culture Week 2023, such as: a Famtrip program to survey and connect domestic travel businesses, three northern Lao provinces (Phongsaly, Oudomxay, Luang Prabang), and Honghe Prefecture (Yunnan Province, China); visiting exhibition spaces promoting and introducing tea, ginseng, orchids, and ornamental plants; the first Lai Chau Province Open Off-Road Motorcycle Race; the PuTaLeng Vietnam Cross-Country Paragliding Championship; and the "Conquering Ta Lien Son Peak" mountain climbing competition...

Comrade Tong Thanh Hai - Member of the Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee, Permanent Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, visits the cultural space of the Pa Then ethnic group (Cao Bang province).

In the area around the Provincial People's Square over the past few days, perhaps everyone who came here could feel the sparkling joy in the eyes of the artisans, performers, and athletes from 14 ethnic groups from all over the country. Sharing her feelings about coming to Lai Chau city, Ms. Vang Thi Kiem (Lo Lo ethnic group from Cao Bang province) enthusiastically said: "Lai Chau is beautiful, the land and sky of Lai Chau are clear and dust-free. This is my first time here, but I will probably remember this land forever with its beautiful scenery and open-hearted people." Meanwhile, artisan Tham Dich Tho, Ngai ethnic group (Thai Nguyen province), said: "The festival recreates a part of the traditional rituals of the ethnic groups, but it is very lively. I feel the authenticity reflecting the daily life and spirit of the people of each ethnic group."

The Rain-Praying Ceremony is one of the important rituals associated with the customs, traditions, and work of the Lo Lo people.

“The spirit of interaction, learning, and exchange of experiences in preserving, honoring, and transmitting the beautiful traditional cultural values of our nation, which the delegations have gained, is not only within the framework of the festival but also spreads this spirit in daily life, work, production, and activities in the community, so that the traditional culture of ethnic groups in general, and the very small ethnic groups in particular, will forever endure,” – the affirmation of Ms. Trinh Thi Thuy, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, at the opening ceremony of the festival, instilled much hope as the festival concluded. It is hoped that central and local authorities will continue to pay attention and organize more activities so that the culture of each ethnic group retains its essence and originality, preventing it from fading away over time.

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