Promoting the cultural identity of An Giang

With the expansion of administrative boundaries, An Giang province not only has a larger cultural space, but also faces great opportunities for sustainable cultural development. With the advantages of geography, history and cultural identity of the ethnic communities living together, it is a favorable condition to promote cultural values, creating development momentum.

Traditional festival commemorating the 156th anniversary of the death of National Hero Nguyen Trung Truc (1868 - 2024)

A colorful cultural picture

An Giang - a land rich in identity, a long-standing home to many ethnic groups Kinh, Khmer, Hoa, Cham... Each community has its own unique culture, such as folk and religious festivals; Via Ba Chua Xu festival of Sam mountain, Dolta festival, Ok Om Bok festival, Nghinh Ong festival, Nguyen Trung Truc festival... Along with many traditional craft villages (embroidery, Cham brocade weaving, making Phu Quoc fish sauce...) and a treasure trove of unique folk arts and culture (Southern amateur music, Romvong dance, du ke singing, Khmer puppetry...) along with hundreds of tangible and intangible cultural heritages create a diverse and colorful cultural picture in a large space from the mountains, borders to the sea, unique islands. This interweaving is also a great potential for An Giang to develop cultural and traditionaleducation tourism, promoting the local image to domestic and international friends.

Cultural researchers also believe that when administrative boundaries are rearranged, investment resources for culture are optimized, especially investment in larger-scale cultural institutions, and heritage conservation work is carried out systematically. The cultural identity values of localities are also adapted and developed better. “The merger does not destroy the identity of each locality, but also forms an An Giang with the most diverse, rich, unique and dynamic cultural space in the Southwest region. The merger also requires state managers to have a broader cultural vision, respect diversity and promote the unique values of each region in harmony towards a space of “great solidarity” and sustainable development” - Master Nguyen Hoang Thien, lecturer at Kien Giang University commented.

Towards a sustainable cultural space

Promoting cultural values after the merger is not only the task of the cultural sector in heritage conservation, but also a strategic solution to build a new identity that is more diverse, cohesive and sustainable. Because, when culture develops in the right direction, it will become a solid foundation, creating momentum for local cultural and socio-economic development.

According to MSc. Nguyen Hoang Thien, to promote cultural values and identities in the new situation, first of all, there needs to be a change in management thinking. In particular, it is necessary to focus on preserving and honoring the cultural values of each region; cultural exchange and linkage work; the story of exploiting culture in economic development of tourism... In addition, An Giang can study the establishment of the Khmer, Cham, Hoa Cultural Center... as a place to preserve, display, educate and teach traditional culture. Organize ethnic cultural festivals alternately between localities to enhance understanding and community solidarity. In particular, the province needs to have a cultural policy of reconciliation, especially promoting the role of prestigious people in the ethnic community, artisans, and cultural researchers to advise on development policies.

From a tourism perspective, Director of the Department of Tourism Bui Quoc Thai said that with a system of scenic spots and rich cultural heritages, An Giang has great potential for developing community tourism and eco-tourism associated with folk cultural experiences stretching from Tinh Bien, Tri Ton, Chau Phu to Kien Luong, Hon Dat, Ha Tien, Nam Du, Hai Tac, An Thoi archipelagos... In addition, the tourism industry can also focus on building connecting tourism routes with the theme "Khmer - Cham - Hoa - Kinh cultural journey" to form unique products, attracting tourists... "The heritage system and cultural identity values play an important role, creating a driving force for tourism development. Therefore, in recent times, the industry has regularly trained and fostered knowledge and skills on cultural tourism and community tourism for people; encouraged businesses to invest in cultural destinations or neighboring areas to develop cultural tourism, including other types of tourism; focused on exploiting Tourism is associated with protecting resources and the environment; promoting and promoting cultural tourism... attracting tourists to An Giang to visit and experience" - Mr. Thai said.

To promote the value of cultural identity, researchers suggest that the province should organize regional cultural festivals and provincial-level festivals to create a space for exchange, connect the community and create conditions to elevate events to national cultural heritage. Strengthen cultural creative cooperation, develop cultural industries such as art photography, folk performances, handicrafts; support folk art troupes to perform periodically in localities in the province to spread identity and create a creative playground...

NGUYEN MINH

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/phat-huy-gia-tri-ban-sac-van-hoa-an-giang-a424016.html