Keeping the traditional culture alive: A bright spot from Ale A village

Ale A village has 422 households, with 1,679 people, of which 189 are local ethnic minorities, with 756 people. Like other villages affected by urbanization, over a long period of time, many traditional customs in Ale A village have been lost; stilt houses have gradually been replaced by solid houses, and the younger generation has little interest in traditional culture.

Faced with the above situation, implementing Plan No. 27-KH/DU dated January 12, 2017 of the Party Committee of Ea Tam Ward (now Ea Kao Ward) on "preserving and promoting the cultural identity of ethnic minorities in the ward for the period 2016 - 2020 and orientation to 2030", the Party cell, Party cell, and Self-management Board of Ale A village have identified this as the top priority task.

Ale A villagers drink rice wine together to celebrate Great Unity Day.

The first highlight is the establishment of the village's brocade weaving group, consisting of experienced artisans as the core. Over the years, the brocade weaving group has not only created stable jobs for its members but also created a space for traditional cultural transmission between generations. The group's products are highly appreciated for their artistry and quality, helping Ede brocade not only become a heritage but also an economic product.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Truc Linh, a member of the Ale A village brocade weaving group, said: “Joining the brocade weaving group is not only for economic purposes but also a way for us to preserve the traditional craft of our village. For many years, I have collaborated with brocade weaving artisans in the village to complete fashion products that are both modern in style and preserve the unique traditional features of the Ede people. This combination has helped brocade to step out of the village space and enter life naturally and effectively.”

Along with brocade weaving, Ale A village also maintains the traditional model of making rice wine, established a folk club, a xoang dance team, and a young gong team.

Cultural activities in the area are currently being promoted and developed to combine cultural activities with economic development and increase people's income.

From the skillful hands of the members of the Ale A brocade weaving group, many dress products combining traditional and modern styles have been well received by the market.

Not only preserving traditional features, the people of Ale A village also have many positive contributions to the construction of civilized villages and urban areas. The Ale A village community has unanimously contributed funds and efforts to build flag streets on main roads such as Le Duan, Tue Tinh, Y Nue, creating a green - clean - beautiful landscape; installing security camera systems at intersections, contributing to ensuring security and order in the area.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Huong, Head of Ale A village, shared: “In order for Ale A village to maintain its traditional features, we must both preserve the culture and develop the community economy. Culture can only survive when it generates income and is accepted by the younger generation. We are very happy that the brocade weaving group and the young gong troupe have been operating effectively, both preserving the profession of our ancestors and creating valuable tourism products.”

To preserve the "soul of the village in the heart of the city", Ale A village hopes that the local government will continue to accompany and support investment in developing sustainable community tourism, associated with cultural preservation activities such as restoring festivals, renovating water wharves and opening classes to teach gong playing and brocade weaving.

Source: https://baodaklak.vn/van-hoa-du-lich-van-hoc-nghe-thuat/202511/giu-lua-van-hoa-truyen-thong-diem-sang-tu-buon-ale-a-94221a4/