Once a vibrant part of the daily life for the Muong ethnic group in Hoa Binh province, traditional Muong singing styles such as "thuong rang bo meng” and "hat dup giao duyen” had faded over time. Today, local authorities and communities are working to restore and celebrate this cultural art form, recognising its value in preserving the group’s heritage.
Artisans at the "thuong rang bo meng” festival in Lac Son district in 2024.
At the start of each year, festivals in the four major Muong regions including Bi, Vang, Thang, and Dong, featuring lively singing competitions and performances. Notably, the 2023 Khai Ha Festival in Muong Bi in Tan Lac district spotlighted "hat dup giao duyen” as a key event, attracting hundreds of artists and drawing significant community engagement. Similar activities are planned for the 2024 Khai Ha Festival and other cultural events like the traditional fishing festival in Lo Son.
In Muong Vang in Lac Son district, Muong singing remains a cherished cultural expression, enriching festivals, communal celebrations, and even tourist activities. Numerous local singing clubs actively perform and collaborate with counterparts from other regions, further fostering cultural exchange. In November 2024, Lac Son hosted its first "thuong rang bo meng” festival, gathering over 300 artists from across the region.
According to Bui Thi Tham, Director of the Centre for Culture - Sports and Communications, the festival provided a platform for artists to share their talent and celebrate the Muong identity, while creating opportunities for cultural learning and exchange.
Distinguished cultural researcher and artist Bui Huy Vong emphasised the rich poetic themes of Muong singing, which range from love and greetings to festivals and agriculture. Performances often reflect deep knowledge and improvisational skills, blending traditional melodies with heartfelt lyrics. Efforts to preserve Muong singing have gained momentum, with the art form becoming increasingly popular in both traditional and modern contexts.
In 2023, it was among two cultural traditions nominated for recognition as national intangible cultural heritage. These initiatives aim to ensure the enduring legacy of Muong culture, fostering pride and cultural continuity for future generations.
The headscarf worn by Muong women is called ‘bit tlooc’ (in the Muong language, ‘tlooc’ refers to the head, meaning the cloth worn on the head of a Muong woman). Nowadays, many Muong people do not fully understand that, in addition to its practical function of protecting the hair from dust, the ‘bit tlooc’ also carries messages and meanings that the ancestors left for future generations.
Held biennially on the seventh and eighth days of the Lunar New Year, the Coi communal house festival in Vu Binh commune, Lac Son district, honours Hoang Ba Quoc Mau, her sons - King Cun and King Hai - along with local deities who contributed to agricultural and social development. Beyond its spiritual significance, the festival offers visitors an immersive experience of Muong ethnic culture.
The Hoa Binh Cooperative Alliance held a New Year meeting with its member cooperatives on February 25 to review past achievements and outline future goals.
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