Under a time-worn roof situated along National Highway 37, Mr. Suat has passionately created a cultural space deeply rooted in the Muong ethnic identity. Here, he displays numerous household items, agricultural tools, traditional clothing, and musical instruments characteristic of the Muong people, creating a miniature space that quite fully recreates the beauty of the Muong people's culture, lifestyle, and beliefs.
To welcome us, the club members performed the song "Enchanting Muong Festival." Amidst the lively music, the women, graceful in their traditional white blouses and black skirts, danced with fluid movements and radiant smiles. Beside them, the men, elegantly dressed in brocade robes, played gongs with mallets. We could clearly feel the joy and pride in the smiles and eyes of the club members as they immersed themselves in the cultural space of their ethnic group, performing and showcasing traditional folk dances and songs.
Mr. Dinh Minh Suat informed: The club currently has 25 members, the oldest is now 70 years old, the youngest is 40, all are passionate and enthusiastic participants. With the desire to preserve the traditional culture of the Muong ethnic group, which is in danger of disappearing, I, along with the club's management board, have proactively collected and compiled materials on folk melodies, actively disseminated information to members to help them understand the origins and profound meanings of each song; and guided and practiced dances and songs.
The club holds regular weekend meetings, teaching each other everything from traditional folk songs like "dang" and "vi" singing, to folk dances such as flower dance, fan dance, and offering dance, as well as unique folk music forms like "sec bua" and gong music. Beyond performing arts, the club also focuses on practicing ancient rituals, reviving traditional crafts such as basket weaving, embroidery, and brocade weaving.
In addition, the club actively participates in competitions, performances, and cultural exchanges with Muong ethnic clubs inside and outside the province to learn and exchange experiences, such as: performing excerpts of traditional festivals and cultural rituals within the framework of activities celebrating the 130th anniversary of the founding of Son La province; participating in the 2nd Muong Ethnic Culture Festival in 2025 at the Vietnam Ethnic Culture and Tourism Village, Dong Mo, Hanoi; and participating in cultural exchanges with Muong ethnic clubs to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Bac Yen District Party Committee…
It is even more commendable that recently, in addition to traditional folk songs, the club has begun practicing some new songs based on ancient lyrics, researched and composed by artisans and experts in Muong folk music from the club. The club also collaborates with schools in the commune to organize exchange and experience activities for students, guiding them in learning Muong folk songs and dances.
Since joining the club, Mr. Dinh Van Chinh from Pe village, Bac Yen commune, has had more opportunities to improve his knowledge of traditional culture. Mr. Chinh shared: "In my free time, I always take the opportunity to teach traditional musical instruments to my children and grandchildren, as well as to other villagers. Participating in the club helps us become more aware of preserving our cultural identity, and our spiritual lives are also more joyful and enthusiastic."
The Muong Culture Club model in Bac Yen is on the right track and is effectively promoting the preservation of traditional culture. In the future, the club will continue to focus on teaching Muong folk singing to its members; and closely coordinate with the Youth Union to organize summer activities linked to teaching customs, traditions, embroidery, and weaving to young people.
To ensure the sustainability and wider impact of preserving and promoting the cultural identity of the Muong ethnic group within the community, the Club urgently needs more attention and support from local Party committees, authorities, and relevant agencies, so that Muong culture can live on through time.
Source: https://baosonla.vn/van-hoa-xa-hoi/lan-toa-van-hoa-truyen-thong-dan-toc-muong-vIRpKJfvR.html
