Uoc Le craft village attracts both Western and Vietnamese visitors to experience traditional culture.

The Uoc Le ham making profession is said to have existed since the Mac Dynasty (1527-1592). Legend has it that a royal concubine from Uoc Le village returned to her hometown to build the village gate and teach the people how to make ham.

Over many generations, ham is not only a dish but also a cultural symbol of the craft village. The name Uoc Le has become a “natural fragrance” brand, following the footsteps of those who live far from home to spread to all provinces and cities in the country.

Nowadays, local people not only maintain the traditional profession with a history of up to 500 years but also make efforts to serve traditional rituals and experience spaces that attract tourists.

This year's traditional festival of Uoc Le village takes place from April 7 to 9, with the procession of the Saint's palanquin, commemorating heroic martyrs... The village only organizes the procession once every 5 years, so people prepare more solemn offerings, a total of more than 200kg of ham, sausage...

More than 50 people from young to old made cinnamon sausage tubes weighing more than 100kg, steamed pork sausage, fatty sausage... to offer sacrifices and carry the Saint's palanquin.

Traditional festival in Uoc Le ham village.

Visiting Uoc Le during the festival, Zya Ribouchon, a French tourist, and her family were invited by the villagers to experience pounding ham with a wooden pestle and enjoy traditional ham specialties.

"Traditional occupations are no longer present in France. There are few places that still preserve traditional occupations like this village. I tried pounding pork rolls, it was really interesting. But after only a few strokes, my hands got tired," the female tourist shared.

Zya and her family of six had the opportunity to ride bicycles to visit the village and admire the old-style houses of the Northern countryside in Uoc Le. "I will tell my friends and relatives about this village. It has a unique history, culture and cuisine ," she said.

French tourists experience manual pounding of pork roll at the Uoc Le Village Traditional Festival.

Not only international visitors enjoy traditional activities during village festivals, Vietnamese visitors are also excited to experience them.

Ms. Dang Thi Hao, who came from Binh Duong to visit the village during the traditional festival, said that although she is a daughter of Uoc Le village, this is the first time she has experienced pounding pork roll by hand.

Hearing the sound of the mortar and pestle, Mrs. Thao recalls memories of the old days: "This also reminds the next generation to understand the profession of their ancestors and to remember the tradition."

She said her friends really like Uoc Le ham and want to visit the village to feel the festival atmosphere and learn about the traditional craft.

Ham and sausage maker Nguyen Viet Minh (left) is instructing tourists on how to pound ham with a stone mortar and pestle in the traditional way. Photo: Pham Huyen

Mr. Dang Hong Son - representative of the organizing committee of the traditional festival of Uoc Le village, said: "Uoc Le craft village is building experiences for tourists to both learn about traditional crafts, cuisine, and experience tourism, associated with spirituality".

Possessing historical relics such as Uoc Le Communal House, 500-year-old So Pagoda... along with unique culture and traditions, Uoc Le craft village is an attractive destination in the capital. Tourists visiting the village can experience pounding ham, making ham with locals, and enjoying local cuisine...

According to Mr. Son, Uoc Le village is oriented to develop tourism with the support of the Hanoi Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and travel and tourism businesses.

Currently, some households in Uoc Le have welcomed visitors to experience pounding pork rolls by hand, learn about traditional crafts, and visit historical sites in the village.

Ham and sausage artisan Nguyen Viet Minh (65 years old) said that every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday he returns to the village to guide groups of tourists and groups of students from schools to experience manual ham pounding.

"I want tourists to know the unique culture of Uoc Le village, see the tradition and the intricacy of the handmade ham making process," said Mr. Minh.

In 2023, Uoc Le ham and sausage will be protected by the Intellectual Property Office (Ministry of Science and Technology) as a collective trademark, creating an opportunity for Uoc Le ham and sausage to enhance its brand and affirm the value of craft village products.

After receiving the collective trademark, Uoc Le Ham Cooperative coordinated with management agencies, businesses... to open a new direction in local economic development, building the craft village into an attractive tourist destination.

Source: http://baovinhphuc.com.vn/Multimedia/Images/Id/126385/Lang-nghe-Uoc-Le-hap-dan-khach-Tay-lan-ta-trai-nghiem-van-hoa-truyen-thong