(HBO) – A delegation of Hoa Binh authorities, including representatives of the provincial departments of home affairs and public security, and the provincial Party Committee’s mass mobilization board, has visited the dioceses of Hanoi and Hung Hoa in the capital city ahead of the Christmas Day.
The
officials wished priests, pastors and followers in the two dioceses a merry
Christmas season.
On this occasion, they also congratulated Vu Van
Thien on assuming the post of Archbishop.

Representatives
of departments and sectors present gifts of the provincial Party Committee,
People’s Committee, People’s Council and Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee to
congratulate the Hanoi diocese on the Christmas celebrations.
On behalf of Catholic followers, priests of the
two dioceses thanked the Hoa Binh authorities for their Christmas greetings.
They wished all people peace and happiness,
adding that they will continue encouraging followers to comply with the Party’s
guidelines and policies and the State’s laws, actively take part in emulation
movements, lead a good secular and religious life, and join hands in
contributing to local socio-economic development./.
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 This effort requires not only protecting the cultural identity but also eliminating outdated customs and developing a modern cultural lifestyle, contributing to sustainable values for the Muong community in Hoa Binh province.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.