In his small house in Ta Phin commune, for many years, People's Artisan Tan Van Sieu has diligently preserved and passed on the traditional culture of the Dao ethnic group. On his table are yellowed ancient books, next to which is a carefully completed Vietnamese translation. For more than half his life, he has researched, translated, restored, and taught the Dao Nôm 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 the good values of our nation to young people so that they do not fade away," Mr. Sieu confided.
For him, the title is not only an honor, but also a constant reminder of his responsibility to preserve his roots and pass on the torch to future generations.
In the steel-rich land of Muong Khuong, the footsteps of People's Artist Hoang Sin Hoa are imprinted on every path. He is known as a "living human treasure" of Nung Din folk songs. Not only does he teach singing to young people, but he also established a Nung Din Folk Song Club, incorporating new lyrics into folk songs to disseminate policies and guidelines to the local people.
It can be seen that throughout the villages of the more than 30 ethnic groups living in Lao Cai province, from the Hmong flute music, the Tay folk songs, the Thai dance, to beeswax painting, silver engraving, and weaving... each artisan is a silent but persistent "keeper of the flame," ensuring that traditional cultural heritage is not forgotten.
Not only are they quietly present in their villages, but with their roles and responsibilities, artisans are now also participating on the big stage, becoming a "bridge" between heritage and tourists. The live performance "Dance Under the Moonlight," celebrating 120 years of tourism in Sa Pa, is a prime example. Nearly 200 artisans and local people together recreated the essence of local culture, from festivals to daily life, bringing ethnic culture to thousands of tourists. Under the stage lights, the dances, songs, and drum rhythms suddenly came alive like never before.
Director Dang Xuan Truong shared: "80% of the performers in the play are local people and artisans. They bring soul to the performance, ensuring that each show touches the hearts of the audience."
Most recently, 39 exemplary artisans from Lao Cai participated in a performance at the National Achievements Exhibition commemorating the 80th anniversary of National Day (September 2, 1945 - September 2, 2025). They showcased traditional crafts such as making the khene (a type of bamboo flute), silver engraving, and beeswax embroidery, along with folk songs and dances characteristic of various ethnic groups. This was not only a way for the community to tell its own story but also an invitation for tourists to discover the unique ethnic identity of Lao Cai.
Artisan Ninh Thi Tu, Head of the Cao Lan Ethnic Folk Club in Yen Binh commune, expressed: "One group after another comes to watch, and many people come to see. I feel very honored to be here to sing and dance, to bring the cultural identity of our ethnic group to a higher level every day."
To date, Lao Cai has 99 recognized artisans, including 2 People's Artisans, 38 Distinguished Artisans, 14 Folk Artisans, and 45 provincial-level artisans. Each title is a recognition, but also a great responsibility.
Dr. Tran Huu Son, Director of the Institute for Applied Cultural and Tourism Research, former Standing Vice President of the Vietnam Folk Arts Association, and former Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Lao Cai province, stated: All customs, traditions, and intangible cultural heritage require the role of the community to survive. Within the community, the most outstanding individuals are the artisans. Without them, no one would preserve and guide future generations. Therefore, the role of artisans is extremely important.
Mr. Duong Tuan Nghia, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Lao Cai province, also emphasized: The role of artisans in cultural preservation has been strongly promoted. Especially after being recognized, the artisans have played their role very well, igniting the flame of national cultural identity. In recent times, with the attention of all levels of government, relevant agencies, and the artisans themselves, the process of preserving and transmitting culture has not been interrupted.
From the Dao Nôm script classes in Tả Phìn, the Nùng Dín folk song club in Mường Khương, to the Hmong flute music of Bắc Hà, the Thái Xòe dance of Nghĩa Lộ… all are weaving a colorful tapestry of Lào Cai's culture. These artisans are the "great trees" of culture, persistently preserving the spirit of their ethnic groups, thereby spreading the unique identity of their highland villages to all parts of the country and even to international friends.
Titles are honors, but it is responsibility that keeps the legacy alive.
Source: https://baolaocai.vn/trach-nhiem-sau-danh-hieu-post883281.html
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