These "core members" keep the flame of national culture alive.

Amidst the fast-paced modern life and its many changes, the traditional cultural values ​​of the ethnic groups in the province are still being preserved and promoted by dedicated individuals. These include artisans, respected community leaders, and young people with a passion for preserving their ethnic heritage. Despite generational differences, they all share a common passion and commitment to preserving and showcasing the beautiful cultural essence passed down through generations.

Artisan Mùa A Lứ performs playing the Hmong flute at Mộc Sơn pedestrian street.

In Pa Khen 3 residential area, Thao Nguyen ward, Mr. Mua A Lu is always mentioned with respect by the locals. Having been involved with the Hmong flute since his youth, Mr. Lu has become a skilled flute player and plays an important role in the cultural and religious activities of the Hmong community here. For many years, he has also run classes teaching the art of playing and dancing the Hmong flute at his home, diligently guiding the rhythm and steps of the young people in the area. Mr. Lu shared: "For the Hmong people, the Hmong flute is like breathing, the voice of the heart expressing people's feelings. From joyful festivals to the farewell ceremony for the deceased, the sound of the flute is indispensable. I only hope that young people will diligently learn and preserve the Hmong flute so that the identity of our people will always be preserved and continued."

In Muong Gion commune, where the Thai ethnic group makes up over 84% of the population, we met Ms. Bac Thi Khuynh in her traditional stilt house, meticulously weaving and crafting decorative items to recreate "Han Khuong," a unique cultural space where young men and women meet through call-and-response singing, weaving, and spinning. She also composes many Thai songs for the villagers to practice. Ms. Khuynh confided: "Seeing the children enthusiastically learning to sing and play musical instruments and actively participating in performances at commune events makes me very happy. Restoring 'Han Khuong' and teaching the children to play the zither is a way to preserve Thai culture."

A respected elder in Bo Xanh village, Muong Gion commune, introduces the zither and other traditional products of the Thai ethnic group to the younger generation.

The dedication of those who came before has strongly inspired the younger generation. Many young people in various localities are developing creative approaches, integrating culture with modern trends. Mr. Phang A Phinh, from Nam Nghep village, Ngoc Chien commune, is a prime example. Passionate about the Mong ethnic group's flute art, Mr. Phinh taught himself how to play the flute, practiced traditional dances, and guided young people in the village to perform for tourists . Mr. Phinh shared: "We use social media to share and promote the beauty of Nam Nghep's nature and people, and through cultural and artistic activities that reflect traditional cultural identity, we create highlights to attract tourists to the village. I want tourists to come here not only to enjoy the natural scenery but also to understand and appreciate the beautiful culture of the Mong ethnic people."

The province currently has 2 People's Artisans and 27 Outstanding Artisans in the field of intangible cultural heritage of the Thai, Mong, Dao, Khang, Kho Mu, La Ha, and Muong ethnic groups. Along with them are more than 70 folk artisans, over 2,000 influential figures among ethnic minorities, and more than 2,300 amateur performing arts groups in villages and schools. These are the "key figures" diligently preserving, conserving, and promoting the traditional cultural beauty of the ethnic groups, especially folk performing arts.

Mr. Phàng A Phịnh, from Nậm Nghẹp village, Ngọc Chiến commune, teaches foreign tourists how to play the Hmong flute.

Mr. Pham Hong Thu, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Son La province, said: In the coming time, the Department will continue to advise the province on developing plans and policies to preserve and promote cultural heritage, build cultural life at the grassroots level; organize training courses for grassroots cultural and artistic leaders and invite outstanding artisans to teach folk songs, folk dances, and folk music, helping to build a core team to develop cultural and artistic movements at the grassroots level, contributing to improving the spiritual life of the people and creating unique attractions for tourists.

With love and dedication, artisans, respected individuals, and young people are working together to preserve and promote the national cultural identity, ensuring that traditional culture remains present in daily life and creating a unique appeal in the development of community tourism in the locality.

Source: https://baosonla.vn/van-hoa-xa-hoi/nhung-hat-nhan-giu-lua-van-hoa-dan-toc-2x37On0vg.html