Members of the Hoa Binh provincial Youth Club for Ethnic Culture Preservation visit the Muong Cultural Heritage Museum, run by Meritorious Artisan Bui Thanh Binh in Thai Binh ward, Hoa Binh city.

Amid concerns that modernisation could overshadow traditional values, young people in Hoa Binh are showing a commitment to safeguarding their cultural heritage.

One such initiative is the provincial Youth Club for Ethnic Culture Preservation, established in November 2024. Despite being active for several months, its 20 members have already made a significant impact.

Led by Nguyen Van Doan, a young officer from the provincial police force, the club has organised art performances and promoted local cuisine and handicrafts, including the Muong brocade weaving, OCOP products, and famous specialities such as smoked meat, sour pork, sticky rice, and Da River fish. Through social media, it has also shared video clips and images showcasing Hoa Binh’s diverse ethnic customs, reaching broader audiences online.

In partnership with local authorities, Hoa Binh’s youth have also supported digital transformation efforts. QR codes have been introduced at historical and cultural sites, offering visitors easy access to information and enhancing tourism experiences.

Nguyen Duy Tu, Secretary of the provincial Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union Committee, said that cultural preservation is now closely linked with economic and tourism development. Young people are actively promoting local heritage while educating their peers through initiatives like "Return to Roots" journeys, which help instil pride in their ethnic identity and the nation, he noted.

Social media has also become a powerful platform for cultural storytelling. TikTok creator Dinh Thi Hoan from Da Bac district, known online as "Un in Hoa Binh”, uses short videos to share glimpses of everyday life, traditional food and local festivals.

Hoan pointed out that culture doesn’t have to be confined to museums; with just a few seconds of engaging content, it’s possible to reach millions and ignite genuine interest in traditional heritage.

Young Mong ethnic man Giang A La from Hang Kia commune, Mai Chau district, integrates his ethnic identity into his homestay business. Visitors to his home don’t just find a place to stay, they experience the Mong ethnic culture through music, food, and hands-on embroidery workshops.

He explained that preserving cultural heritage does not mean resisting modernity, but rather standing firm in one’s roots while embracing the future.

Veteran Muong cultural researcher Nguyen Manh Tuan, who has spent over 40 years collecting artefacts and oral traditions, said he has found hope seeing young people take up the role.

He shared that many young people now come to him to learn traditional songs, customs, and ancient languages, and that they are using technology to keep these cultural elements alive through videos, workshops, and school visits, serving as a vital bridge between the past and present.

As these young cultural ambassadors blend tradition with innovation, they are ensuring that Hoa Binh’s unique heritage not only survives but thrives in the modern age.

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