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 clothing of women reflects the culture of the Muong, Thai, Tay, Dao, and Mong ethnic groups in the northern province of Hoa Binh.
Gongs hold a special place in the cultural and spiritual life of the Muong ethnic people in Hoa Binh province. More than musical instruments, they are an indispensable part of community rituals and collective memory, echoing through generations as a spiritual thread linking the past, present, and future.
Preserving and promoting the cultural values of the Muong ethnic group has become an urgent task in the current context, as many traditional values face the risk of fading away. This effort requires not only protecting the cultural identity but also eliminating outdated customs and developing a modern cultural lifestyle, contributing to sustainable values for the Muong community in Hoa Binh province.
The Muong ethnic culture, deeply rooted in Vietnam’s mountainous north, continues to be preserved and revitalised by dedicated individuals and communities determined to safeguard their ancestral identity.
The Muong group is one of the largest ethnic minorities in Vietnam, primarily found in Hoa Binh province. The Muong people in Hoa Binh boast a rich and diverse cultural treasure that reflects the unique identity of this ethnic group. Accounting for over 63% of the province's population, they have created and preserved numerous distinctive cultural values, contributing to their unique identity. Their cultural heritage is an invaluable asset, at the heart of their national identity, and represents a vibrant spiritual life that must be preserved and promoted in today’s modern world.
For generations, the ethnic communities of Hoa Binh province, particularly the Muong people, have preserved vibrant festivals deeply intertwined with the region’s geography, nature, and social traditions. These celebrations enrich Hoa Binh’s spiritual life and cultural identity, reflecting both folk beliefs and the intermingling of ethnic customs. Many of these festivals have endured the test of time, passed down through generations and continuing to thrive today. Among them, the Khai Ha (Going Down to the Field) festival stands out as one of the most significant events of the Muong ethnic group.
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