Women in Ban Bo commune preserve culture.

In the new development process, the preservation and promotion of ethnic cultural identity is placed in a prominent position by the Party Committee, the government of Ban Bo commune, and the community...

In recent years, the commune has intensified its efforts in socio-cultural development; focusing on promoting the effectiveness of amateur performing arts groups; maintaining activities at the cultural centers of 21 villages; and gradually improving the quality of cultural life movements. Annually, the commune maintains two prominent festivals: the Xoe Chieng Festival of the Thai ethnic group and the Bun Voc Nam Festival of the Lao ethnic group. These are cultural events with spiritual value, closely linked to the lives, production, and beliefs of the Lao and Thai people. Each festival season attracts tens of thousands of participants, becoming a space for cultural exchange and community interaction. The festivals are usually held at the beginning of the new year, with women playing a leading role. In each village, women are responsible for preparing traditional costumes, preserving brocade weaving techniques, making dance props, and organizing cultural activities.

Comrade Doan Thi Huong Thom - President of the Women's Union of the commune, said: "The Union always considers cultural preservation as an important task in women's mobilization work. We focus on maintaining the grassroots performing arts group, encouraging women to preserve the traditional brocade weaving craft, guiding young members to revive folk dances and melodies, and actively participating in festivals and community tourism activities."

The Xoe Chieng Festival – one of the unique festivals of the Thai ethnic group in Ban Bo village – is held annually.

In particular, the village's performing arts groups are an important pillar in preserving intangible cultural heritage. In Na Van village, Ms. Vang Thi Chom, the leader of the village's performing arts group, actively encourages members to preserve the Xoe dance and folk songs, and pass them on to the younger generation. Sharing her thoughts with us, Ms. Chom said: “The group's activities are not only for practice but also a space for community connection, where women share experiences and cultivate a love for their homeland's culture. Women are also a crucial force in teaching and maintaining the traditional brocade weaving craft. This is not only a beautiful cultural feature but also a livelihood, contributing to increased income for many women's families.”

The ritual of families asking for rainwater during the Bun Vốc Nặm festival of the Lao people.

Traditional weaving is closely linked to festivals, arts, and tourism. The costumes made by women appear in the Xoe Chieng Festival dances; in the Lao people's harvest rituals; and in cultural exchange events for tourists. Each handcrafted product carries the cultural story of the community, a way for women to express their national pride and responsibility in preserving their identity. Alongside weaving, women also maintain traditional cuisine . Dishes such as sticky rice, grilled fish, and various traditional cakes, prepared by women, always leave a positive impression on tourists and serve as a bridge to spread local culinary culture.

Ban Bo is gradually developing tourism linked to its cultural identity. The locality is increasingly attracting the attention of tourists from within and outside the province, with over 40,000 visitors each year. At community tourism destinations, women have become central figures in providing homestay services, preparing food, guiding experiential activities, and performing cultural exchange programs. The active participation of women helps tourism activities become both professional and preserve the natural beauty of the local culture. The bright smiles, vibrant traditional costumes, and sincere hospitality of the women contribute to creating a beautiful image of the people of Ban Bo in the eyes of tourists.

The local culinary culture attracts many tourists to Ban Bo commune.

Together with the local government, the Women's Union of the commune actively mobilizes its members to adopt a civilized lifestyle, participate in environmental sanitation, and maintain the bright, green, clean, and beautiful landscape of the villages. Many flower-lined roads maintained by women have become highlights in the construction of new rural areas. In each village, women proactively coordinate with other organizations to clean up community living areas, village roads, and festival areas to create a clean and beautiful space for the people and tourists. The Women's Union of the commune also actively participates in disseminating legal information, mobilizing people to implement village regulations; building happy families, preventing domestic violence; and developing the economy while preserving good customs. These activities help to enhance the role and status of women in social life, while contributing to strengthening the sustainable cultural foundation of the locality.

The ritual of splashing water for good luck in the Bun Vok Nam festival of the Lao people.

Mr. Nguyen Van Chien, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Ban Bo commune, affirmed: "The preservation of cultural identity has always been linked to the task of socio-economic development. The commune focuses on maintaining two major annual festivals, supporting the activities of amateur performing arts groups, creating conditions for women to participate in cultural activities, preserving traditional crafts, and promoting community tourism based on local cultural values." The coordination between the local government, especially the attention and guidance of the leaders of the People's Committee of the commune; the proactive efforts of the Women's Union of the commune; and the enthusiastic spirit of the village's performing arts groups are the foundation for Ban Bo to continue promoting its cultural identity, contributing to building a rich spiritual life and developing sustainable tourism.

Source: https://baolaichau.vn/van-hoa/phu-nu-xa-ban-bo-bao-ton-van-hoa-1029923