Watch artisans "tell stories" about heritage with their hands.

The vibrant sounds of drums and Hmong flutes, combined with the dazzling colors of brocade fabrics, acted like a magnet, drawing in passersby. Nestled within the modern exhibition space, the Lao Cai province booth stood out like a miniature Northwest village – a place that not only showcased but also vividly recreated the lively beauty of cultural heritage, offering a genuine and captivating experience for viewers.

The spatial arrangement is highly deliberate.

The first thing that makes a strong impression on anyone entering the Lao Cai cultural space is not the neatly arranged finished products on the shelves, but the thoughtful arrangement of the space. Instead of maintaining the usual quiet atmosphere, the exhibition area is "awakened" by vibrant sounds – where artisans directly make drums and craft flutes right outside, near the main entrance, creating an authentic and captivating atmosphere, as if immersing visitors in the rhythm of local culture.

The arrangement of traditional crafts right in the main walkway, with artisans creating products right at the exhibition, attracted particular attention from visitors.

The "clack" of hammers, the "chack" of chisels, the "buzzing" of cowhide stretched across the drumheads… all these vibrant sounds have become an insistent invitation for visitors to stop and explore. This innovative approach has broken down the barrier between viewers and heritage, transforming visitors from passive observers into active participants in the performance space. They become curious, then stop. They attentively follow each sound and the skillful movements of the artisans, their eyes following, their feet moving, naturally stepping into the cultural narrative until they awaken to find themselves right in the middle of the space…

Where those who preserve the soul of heritage speak out.

Amidst the bustling crowds, Mrs. Lam Thi Tam, a Tay ethnic artisan from Nghia Do commune, remains focused, her nimble hands skillfully weaving each bamboo strip, transforming simple materials into exquisite baskets and trays. With a gentle smile, she softly shared: "I'm not just bringing woven products here to sell, but also the soul of the Tay people, the stories of the forests and streams of my hometown Nghia Do, embedded in each strand of rattan and bamboo. In the past, our ancestors made these products to serve their lives, but today, they have become commodities, a unique cultural feature of the Tay people. We cherish this craft like a treasure. Seeing the people of Hanoi, especially the young people, so fond of these environmentally friendly products, I am truly happy. That motivates us to believe that the craft passed down from our ancestors will never fade away, but will develop even further."

With skillful hands and heartfelt dedication to each product, the artisans also showcase the unique cultural characteristics of their people to visitors.

Not far away was a stall selling brocade fabrics. Ly Ta Phay, a Red Dao woman, wore an elaborate traditional costume. Diligently working at her embroidery frame, each stitch was smooth, soft, and vibrant, as if she were painting the story of her people.

Ms. Phay shared: "Each pattern on this fabric has its own meaning; it tells a story about life, about the dreams that our parents taught us since we were children. On this occasion, bringing the products to the exhibition, besides selling them, I also want people to see the meticulous craftsmanship of these hand-embroidered products. It's the beauty of dedication, the sweat, and the essence of the soul of the Red Dao women. It's not about the monetary value, but about the respect people have for our Dao culture."

"Dynamic conservation" – A path to ensuring heritage lives on.

Speaking to reporters, Mr. Nguyen Van Thang, Director of the Lao Cai Provincial Museum, affirmed: "This is a strategic step in the work of preserving and promoting the value of heritage."

"We call this the 'dynamic preservation' method. Instead of keeping artifacts silently stored in glass cases, we bring the heritage out into the world, allowing it to 'live' and breathe in sync with the rhythm of society," Mr. Nguyen Van Thang further shared.

Allowing artisans, these "living human treasures," to directly demonstrate the product creation process has created a strong connection with the public. Viewers not only see the final product but also understand the entire process, appreciating the effort and talent of the creators. This is the most visual and effective way to introduce heritage, while also opening up opportunities for economic development from local culture, linking preservation with sustainable tourism development.

This approach has truly touched the hearts of the public. Many families bring their young children here not only to see, but also to learn and experience.

Visitors enjoyed experiencing traditional crafts firsthand at the exhibition.

Mr. Vu Duc Tien, a tourist from Hanoi, couldn't hide his admiration: "It's amazing! Amidst countless industrial products, witnessing firsthand the skill and patience of the artisans, I see that these products are not only beautiful, but also carry a story and a great environmental value. If we can develop and widely apply these crafts in training and modern life, it would be a wonderful way to both beautify life and protect the environment."

Leaving the exhibition space in Lao Cai province, everyone carried with them profound emotions. It wasn't just admiration for the exquisite handcrafted products, but also a deep appreciation for the people who tirelessly preserve the national cultural identity through every detail and craftsmanship. This "journey to the streets" affirmed one thing: heritage only truly comes alive when it is connected to contemporary life, disseminated, and embraced with utmost respect.

With the motto "transforming heritage into assets," Lao Cai has affirmed its position as a cultural center of the region, a shining example of preserving and sustainably developing cultural values ​​so that heritage "lives and breathes" in sync with the pulse of society.

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/xem-nghe-nhan-ke-chuyen-di-san-bang-doi-tay-post880973.html