Developing the silver craft village in conjunction with festivals in Tra Giang commune.

From a rural area rich in historical heritage, Tra Giang commune today is gradually asserting its own path in socio-economic development: using traditional crafts as a foundation and festivals as a cultural anchor. The connection between the over 600-year-old Dong Xam silver carving craft and the Dong Xam Temple festival not only contributes to improving the lives of the people but also creates a unique cultural space where the past and present intertwine, and tradition and innovation coexist in the flow of development.

Thai Uy Silver Engraving Workshop introduces its silver engraving products.

Preserving the "soul of the craft" through over 600 years of history.

Dong Xam has long been famous for its traditional silver engraving craft, originating from the founder Nguyen Kim Lau. Over the centuries, from simple products serving daily life, the artisans here have elevated their techniques, creating exquisite works of art with high artistic value. What is valuable is that in the context of industrialization, many production stages are still maintained by hand, thus helping Dong Xam products retain their unique characteristics. Distinguished artisan Ta Van Uy, owner of the Thai Uy silver engraving workshop, shared: Currently, the workshop produces 400-500 products annually, generating nearly 1 billion VND in revenue and providing regular employment for nearly 10 workers with stable incomes. What we value is not just the income, but the craftsmanship itself.   The craftsmanship is exquisite, as a handcrafted product can take several days, even weeks, to complete. It is this meticulousness that creates value that machines cannot replace, a value that human hands cannot replicate. This is also an opportunity for the craft village to establish its brand and preserve its unique identity.

Unique silver-engraved products from Dong Xam.

Not only Mr. Uy's establishment, but the entire Tra Giang commune currently has about 300 households and establishments producing silver engraving, attracting nearly 5,000 workers. The products are not only consumed domestically but also exported to many markets, contributing to increasing the income of the people. Comrade Dinh Van Dam, Chairman of the People's Committee of Tra Giang commune, said: Developing the craft village is not only about economic development but also about preserving cultural identity. In the future, the commune plans to develop a craft village industrial cluster, creating conditions for households to expand production and business scale, apply modern technology, and protect the environment with the goal of making Dong Xam silver engraving products high-value products, linked to tourism development.

The unique festival spreads traditional values.

While traditional craft villages form the economic foundation, the Dong Xam Temple Festival contributes to enriching the spiritual life of the local people. Taking place from April 1st to 3rd (lunar calendar) annually, the festival attracts thousands of locals and tourists from all over. It's an occasion to commemorate the founders of the craft, Nguyen Kim Lau, Trieu Vu De, and Trinh Thi Hoang Hau, while also vividly recreating traditional cultural activities of the Northern Delta region.

The Dong Xam Temple – the center of the festival – covers an area of ​​approximately 1,000 square meters and is built in the style of a royal palace, comprising various sections such as the front hall, central hall, rear hall, and water pavilion. Every detail in the temple is exquisitely carved from wood, stone, and especially metal, clearly showcasing the craftsmanship of the silver-carving village. The temple's space is both majestic and harmonious with the Vong River landscape in front, creating a unique architectural and spiritual complex.

During the festival, besides traditional rituals such as offerings, processions of the patron saint, and performances of Ca Tru and Cheo singing, the boat race on the Vong River is always a highlight that attracts a large number of participants. Mr. Vu The Cao, from Duong Cuoc village, who has participated in the boat race for many years, shared: "Each team has about 15 people, of all ages from young adults to middle-aged adults. In each race, we race on a stretch of river about 1.3km, completing 3 consecutive laps. A festival season has 3 races, attracting thousands of spectators and cheerers. It's not just about competition; it's also an opportunity to improve health and strengthen community bonds. Children and grandchildren who work far away also try to come back to participate or cheer, creating a very special atmosphere. What gives the boat race its enduring vitality is not only its competitiveness but also its spiritual significance: praying for favorable weather, a bountiful harvest, and a prosperous life."

Customers visit and shop for products at the Dong Xam silver carving village showroom.

During the festival, the village's silver-engraved products are widely displayed and showcased. Visitors not only immerse themselves in the vibrant festival atmosphere but also have the opportunity to learn about, experience, and purchase exquisite handcrafted products. The Dong Xam Temple Festival is an important bridge between the past and the present. Through the festival, the locality not only preserves cultural values ​​but also promotes village craft products and attracts tourists . This is a direction for sustainable economic development linked to culture.

The harmonious combination of developing traditional crafts and organizing festivals has created a unique identity for Tra Giang commune. This model not only brings economic benefits but also contributes to preserving traditional cultural values ​​and fostering a sense of hometown pride in each resident.

Tra Giang commune is developing plans to ensure security and order for the Dong Xam Temple festival in 2026.

With its existing foundation and clear direction, Tra Giang is gradually transforming the Dong Xam silver carving village and its traditional festival into a highlight in the local economic and cultural development.

Thu Thuy

Source: https://baohungyen.vn/phat-develop-cham-bac-craft-village-close-to-festival-in-tra-giang-commune-3195076.html