Preserving the soul of local culture

In recent times, performing arts groups at tourist destinations in the western part of Thanh Hoa province have played a crucial role in connecting tourists with local culture. This activity not only promotes the local performing arts movement but also contributes to preserving traditional identity, becoming a "magnet" for tourists.

A performance by the Dang Thuong village art troupe, Thach Quang commune.

The Dang Thuong village performing arts team (Thach Quang commune) was established in 2021. Besides serving cultural activities in the village and Thach Quang commune, and participating in competitions and performances, the team actively stages dance and song performances reflecting the unique identity of the Muong ethnic group to serve the needs of tourists. Currently, the Dang Thuong village performing arts team has 10 members, of varying ages but sharing a common love for their ethnic culture. During the day, the team members participate in production to develop their family's economy ; at night, they gather to practice and create unique and attractive performances to captivate tourists in the western part of Thanh Hoa province.

"Each member of the team carries within them a love for dance and music and a desire to preserve the cultural identity of the Muong people. Given the growing trend of tourists wanting to explore local culture, we actively practice to bring truly unique performances. By performing, we can fulfill our passion, earn extra income, and contribute to bringing the image of Thach Quang to tourists from all over," shared Ms. Truong Thi Thoa, a member of the Dang Thuong village's performing arts team.

Mr. Le Huy Duong, Chairman of the People's Committee of Thach Quang commune, said: "Coming to Thach Quang, tourists not only immerse themselves in the majestic natural landscape, bathe in May waterfall, and enjoy the local cuisine , but also want to experience the cultural identity of the Muong ethnic people. When night falls, the sound of gongs and music rises, and tourists and members of the performing arts troupe hold hands and dance to the music and songs – that is the most beautiful moment of cultural exchange, and it motivates us to continue practicing many performing arts acts to serve tourists. Currently, the commune has 3 performing arts troupes, which regularly practice to serve tourists when they visit and experience the locality – one of the effective solutions to attract tourists, create jobs, and increase income for the people. From the beginning of 2026 to the present, Thach Quang commune has welcomed more than 50,000 visitors." To ensure that the performing arts groups operate more professionally, Thach Quang commune, in coordination with relevant agencies, organizes training in knowledge and performance skills for members, thereby increasing their attractiveness and better meeting the needs of tourists.

Similar to the Thach Quang commune's performing arts group, the Peo village performing arts group in Yen Thang commune has actively participated in practicing performing arts to promote cultural identity to tourists. Through our research, we learned that many members of the performing arts group still face many difficulties in their lives, but everyone always encourages each other to practice with the desire to contribute to preserving and promoting traditional cultural values.

“Over the past period, the Peo village performing arts group has actively practiced to bring unique cultural performances to tourists. Through discussions, many tourists have highly appreciated the performance skills and service spirit of the group members. However, the remuneration that the members receive for singing and dancing for tourists is very low and irregular. Therefore, to ensure the long-term commitment of the women, support in terms of operating funds, costumes, props, etc., is urgently needed,” said Mr. Ngan Van So, head of Peo village.

In addition to maintaining traditional performing arts groups and implementing the policy of developing community tourism associated with preserving and promoting traditional cultural identity, in March 2025, Yen Thang commune inaugurated the Ngam Poc Night Market. The market is held on the last Saturday evening of each month and attracts a large number of locals and tourists for trade. Here, visitors can find a variety of local products such as dried bamboo shoots, wood ear mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, upland sticky rice, honey, etc., or enjoy characteristic dishes of the Thai ethnic minority. In particular, the stalls selling brightly colored brocade fabrics create a unique cultural highlight for visitors.

Currently, most community-based tourism destinations in western Thanh Hoa province have clubs and performing arts groups that serve tourists. This activity not only attracts visitors but also enhances their experience, extends their stay, and increases their spending. This is a sustainable approach to awakening the potential of local culture for tourism development. Mr. Nguyen Xuan Hung, from Hac Thanh ward, shared: "Visiting community-based tourism destinations in western Thanh Hoa, I get to explore majestic natural landscapes and enjoy traditional cuisine. When night falls, the performances staged by the locals themselves, with their vibrant brocade costumes, melodious voices, and traditional musical instruments, create an irresistible charm."

Ms. Nguyen Thi Nguyet, Head of the Tourism Management Department (Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism), said: Performing arts groups are not only a grassroots activity but also the "soul" of community tourism products. To promote this value, mountainous communes need to focus on restoring typical cultural forms, creating a unique mark for each destination; at the same time, they should provide financial support to help the groups have more resources for activities, purchasing costumes and props. The Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism will continue to coordinate with localities to organize training in performance skills, develop scripts to serve tourists, preserve traditional melodies and costumes, and enhance attractiveness and professionalism to suit the needs of tourists. In addition, strengthening the link between the community and businesses will help create nighttime experiences, cultural exchanges, and bonfires associated with folk art performances. This is an opportunity for indigenous culture, especially the culture of ethnic minorities, to become the "key" to effective tourism development, creating sustainable livelihoods for the people while preserving and spreading cultural values ​​in the country's development process.

Text and photos: Xuan Anh

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/giu-hon-van-hoa-ban-dia-288072.htm