Responsibility behind the title

In a small house in Ta Phin commune, for many years People's Artisan Tan Van Sieu has been diligently preserving and passing on the traditional culture of the Dao ethnic group. On the table are yellowed ancient books, next to them are Vietnamese translations that he has carefully completed. For more than half of his life, he has researched, translated, restored and taught Nom Dao script to the younger generation.

"I am very happy to be awarded this title by the State, but I also feel that I need to try harder and pass on to the youth the good values of the nation so that they do not fade away," Mr. Sieu confided.

The title is not only an honor for him, but also a constant reminder of his responsibility to preserve his roots and pass on the torch to the next generation.

In the steel land of Muong Khuong, the footsteps of People's Artist Hoang Sin Hoa are imprinted on every road. He is known as the "living human treasure" of Nung Din folk songs. Not only teaching singing to the young generation, he also founded the Nung Din Folk Song Club, incorporating new lyrics into folk songs to propagate policies and guidelines to the people.

It can be seen that in all the villages of more than 30 ethnic groups living on Lao Cai land, from the Mong flute, Tay then tune, Thai xoe tune to beeswax painting, silver carving, weaving... each artisan is a silent but persistent "fire keeper", so that the traditional cultural heritage is not forgotten.

Not only quietly in the village, with their roles and responsibilities, now the artisans also appear on the big stage, becoming a "bridge" between heritage and tourists. The live show "Dance under the Moon" to celebrate 120 years of Sa Pa tourism is a proof. Nearly 200 artisans and people together recreated the quintessence of indigenous culture, from festivals to daily life, bringing ethnic culture to thousands of tourists. Under the stage lights, the dances, songs, and drum beats suddenly became more vivid than ever.

Director Dang Xuan Truong shared: 80% of the actors in the play are local people and artisans. They are the ones who bring the soul to the play, so that each performance touches the hearts of the audience.

Most recently, 39 outstanding artisans of Lao Cai participated in the National Achievement Exhibition on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of National Day (September 2, 1945 - September 2, 2025). They brought handicraft performances such as making panpipes, silver carving, beeswax embroidery, along with folk songs and dances typical of ethnic groups. This is not only a way for the community to tell its own story but also an invitation for tourists to explore the unique ethnic identity of Lao Cai.

Artisan Ninh Thi Tu, Head of the Cao Lan Ethnic Folklore Club, Yen Binh Commune, expressed: One group of visitors after another, many people come to watch. I feel very honored to come here to sing and dance, to bring the identity of the nation to progress every day.

To date, Lao Cai has 99 recognized artisans, including 2 People's Artisans, 38 Meritorious Artisans, 14 Folk Artisans and 45 Provincial Artisans. Each title is a recognition, but at the same time a great responsibility.

Dr. Tran Huu Son, Director of the Institute for Applied Culture and Tourism Research, former Permanent Vice President of the Vietnam Folk Arts Association, former Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Lao Cai province, commented: All customs, practices, and intangible culture must have a community role to survive. In the community, the most outstanding people are the artisans. Without them, no one will preserve and guide the next generation. Therefore, the role of the artisan is extremely important.

Mr. Duong Tuan Nghia, Deputy Director of Lao Cai Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism also emphasized: The role of artisans in cultural preservation has been strongly promoted. Especially after being recognized, artisans have promoted their role very well, being the flame that lights up the national cultural identity. Over the past time, with the attention of authorities at all levels, sectors and artisans, the process of preserving and transmitting culture has not been interrupted.

From the Nom Dao class in Ta Phin, the Nung Din folk song club in Muong Khuong, to the Mong Bac Ha flute, the Thai Nghia Lo xoe dance... all are weaving a colorful picture of Lao Cai culture. The artisans are the cultural "big trees", still persistently preserving the national soul every day, thereby spreading the identity of the highland villages to all parts of the country and to international friends.