Preserving the spirit of heritage in the rhythm of modern life.

In the midst of the ever-changing modern pace of life, where new values ​​are constantly emerging and spreading, preserving, conserving, and promoting traditional cultural identity has become an urgent requirement.

For Lao Cai – a borderland where more than 30 ethnic groups converge – cultural heritage is not only a memory of the past, but also a spiritual foundation and an important endogenous resource for sustainable development. After the merger, the new Lao Cai province has not only expanded in size but has also been enriched with historical and cultural depth, creating a rich, diverse, and distinctive heritage space.

Throughout the highland villages of Lao Cai, more than 50 traditional rituals and festivals are solemnly celebrated annually within the community: the Gau Tao Festival, the Forest Worship Ceremony of the Mong people; the Long Tong Ceremony, the New Rice Festival; the handicrafts, architecture, and cuisine of the Tay, Thai, Dao, and Xa Pho ethnic groups… These values ​​are preserved through the consciousness of the people. Ms. Luong Thi Hong Chung, a Thai ethnic woman from Nghia Lo, shared: “To preserve culture, first and foremost, we must be people who truly love culture, who have the responsibility to preserve the core values ​​of our ethnic group, and then pass them on to future generations.” It is this love and responsibility that has helped many cultural values ​​overcome the challenges of time and continue to be nurtured in modern life.

Mo Tham That on New Year's Day - a well-preserved custom of the Tay people in Van Ban.

The province currently has 56 intangible cultural heritage items included in the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage, 4 items inscribed by UNESCO as Representative Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, along with more than 200 ranked historical sites and scenic spots. This is a special cultural "treasure," creating a clear comparative advantage for Lao Cai in developing tourism associated with its unique identity. According to Mr. Duong Tuan Nghia - Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the culture of ethnic minorities is the most valuable resource of the locality.

The unique harvest festival ritual of the Xa Pho people.

The province has clearly defined its overarching principle: Heritage preservation is inseparable from development, not confined to museums, but must be linked to the lives, livelihoods, and future of the people.

In Sa Pa, using local culture as the foundation for tourism development has yielded clear results. The area is attractive not only for its majestic natural landscapes and unique climate of "four seasons in one day," but also for the rich cultural heritage of the ethnic groups living there. Cat Cat Village – one of the ancient villages of the Hmong people – is a vivid example. There, traditional crafts, customs, the sound of the Hmong flute, and dances are still passed down through generations. In particular, the involvement of children in learning to sing and dance Hmong folk songs and learning the original Hmong script with the guidance of cultural experts has contributed to nurturing a love for heritage from an early age.

The Cat Cat Show in Cat Cat village is an attractive tourist product.

Ms. Vu Thi Nenh shared: "Introducing our ethnic culture to tourists makes us very proud and gives us more motivation to preserve our identity." Not only local people, but many international tourists also choose to stay and become "cultural ambassadors" for the village, contributing to spreading the image of Lao Cai to the world.

Sa Pa in particular and Lao Cai in general have successfully organized many live performance shows.

In Nghia Lo, where nearly half the population are ethnic Thai people, traditional stilt houses still stand amidst the peaceful village landscape. Developing community-based tourism not only provides livelihoods but also contributes to preserving the architecture, cuisine, and Xoe dance art – a heritage recognized by UNESCO.

Mentioning Suoi Giang immediately brings to mind ancient Shan Tuyet tea, with centuries-old trees thriving in unique climatic conditions. More than just a precious product, Shan Tuyet tea is also a natural and cultural heritage deeply connected to the Mong people of the region. From preserving the tea plants and applying science and technology in processing and branding to developing tea-picking and tea-tasting tourism, Suoi Giang is gradually transforming this heritage into a sustainable livelihood.

Suoi Giang is gradually establishing its tea brand among tourists.

From preserving tea plants and applying science and technology in processing and branding to developing experiential tourism, Suoi Giang is gradually transforming its heritage into a sustainable livelihood. Ms. Lam Thi Kim Thoa, Director of the Suoi Giang Cooperative, stated: “When people have a stable income from tea cultivation, they will become even more conscious of protecting the tea forests as if protecting their own assets.”

Preserving the spirit of heritage in modern life is not about clinging to the past, but about awakening the value of heritage in the flow of development. Imbued with President Ho Chi Minh's teaching: "Culture illuminates the path for the nation," Lao Cai is gradually affirming the role of culture as a pillar of development, so that tradition and modernity can coexist and blend together on the journey to the future.

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/giu-hon-di-san-trong-nhip-song-hien-dai-post891942.html