Young people have contributed to spreading traditional culture to the community.

Energetic and passionate

One afternoon in mid-March, in the town of A Lưới, the sounds of gongs and drums blended with the graceful dances of young men and women in the courtyard of the cultural center. Hồ Văn Trăng, a 24-year-old Pa Cô man, was enthusiastically practicing with members of the Arel Linh Art Club to prepare for the "Spring Festival of the A Lưới Highlands." "I've been involved with this club since its inception, for two years now. This is where I can indulge my passion for music , learn from each other, and together introduce our ethnic culture to friends everywhere," Trăng shared. For each performance, Trăng receives between 120,000 and 150,000 VND, but for him, living his passion is the most important thing.

The Arel Linh Art Club was established in June 2022, initially with only 10 members. After two years of operation, the club now has more than 20 official members and dozens of young people who participate irregularly from villages and hamlets in the district. Ms. A Rel Thùy Linh, the club's chairperson, said that most members are young people from the Pa Cô, Tà Ôi, and Cơ Tu ethnic groups. In addition to participating in major competitions and festivals, the group also performs at agencies, restaurants, homestays, and community tourism destinations. Although the income is not stable, during peak seasons, especially in the summer and at the end of the year, members earn a considerable amount of extra income.

In early 2024, Trung Son commune also launched a Folk Arts Club with 20 members. Initially, the group only practiced performing for local events. But as the number of tourists visiting A Luoi increased, the demand for enjoying and experiencing folk music also flourished. Ms. Ho Thi Leu, the club's chairperson, said: "Previously, it was difficult to mobilize people to participate because there was no fixed venue. Since the club was established, there is a common place for activities, additional income, and it also contributes to preserving the cultural identity of our ancestors, so the members are very enthusiastic to participate." The Trung Son commune Folk Arts Club also spends time collecting ancient melodies and restoring traditional musical instruments that are gradually being forgotten, such as the ding put, the khen be, and the drum...

Cultural foundations from the grassroots.

According to Meritorious Artisan Ho Thi Tu, Deputy Head of the Culture, Science and Information Department of A Luoi District, the district pays attention to the cultural and artistic movement at the grassroots level, with many programs supporting the teaching and restoration of traditional festivals. “At the end of March, the district successfully organized the ‘Spring Festival of A Luoi Highlands’ with many unique activities, including the reenactment of many typical festivals of the indigenous ethnic groups. We invited local cultural and artistic clubs to perform. The young people were very enthusiastic and dedicated,” Ms. Tu shared.

Currently, A Lưới district has community performing arts groups in all villages and hamlets. In addition, there are at least three clubs founded and effectively operated by young people. These youth-led cultural and artistic clubs are playing a significant role in preserving ethnic identity and opening up avenues for community tourism development. “The district is proposing to include these clubs in the ‘community culture linked to sustainable tourism’ model. In the future, the district will support training, provide equipment, and expand performance spaces at tourist destinations so that young people can both preserve culture and increase their income,” Ms. Tư stated.

The flexibility and resourcefulness of young people have opened up new avenues for preserving traditional culture, while also contributing to enriching tourism products for A Lưới. Regardless of the form, the ultimate goal is to preserve and promote the cultural values ​​of ethnic groups and create opportunities for sustainable livelihood development for young people in the highlands.

Text and photos: Bach Chau

Source: https://huengaynay.vn/van-hoa-nghe-thuat/suc-tre-giu-lua-van-hoa-vung-cao-152837.html