(HBO) - Authorities of Hoa Binh have exerted great efforts to preserve the culture value of traditional markets of ethnic minorities in the province.
Pa Co market in Mai Chau
district offers a chance for tourists to enjoy interesting experiences of
national cultural identity.
Tourists should not miss the opportunity to join Lung Van market (also known as
Bo market) in Tan Lac district every Tuesday. On the day, local residents bring
to the market unique products and specialties for sale. Most of the items on
sale are bitter and sour bamboo shoots, mac khen anddoi seeds,
handicrafts, traditional textile textile products, and medicine of Dao and
Muong people.
According to Xa Van Tuan in Chieng Cang hamlet, Muong Chieng commune (Da Bac
district), almost those who go to the market is well-dressed and they are very
friendly. They come to meet friends and relatives, and participate in
traditional cultural and art activities.
One thing that is easy to see in many markets is that ethnic minorities,
especially Tay and Dao people in Da Bac district, Muong people in Tan Lac, Lac
Son and Kim Boi districts; and Mong people in Mai Chau district, always have a
sense of preserving their cultural identity through the language and clothes
they wear when going to the market.
However, Vice Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and
Tourism Luu Huy Linh said the local authorities have faced challenges in
preserving traditional markets in ethnic minority areas.
The increasing population along with the process of urbanisation have narrowed
the space of markets. The growing number of goods and shoppers have limited
space for cultural activities in markets.
As part of the efforts to preserve traditional markets in the locality, the
People’s Committee of Mai Chau district put a market model in the district into
operation in 2019, aiming to promote national cultural identities and attract
tourists. The market is organised every Sunday, becoming an attractive
destination for domestic and international tourists.
Recently, initiated by a member of Cha Day village’s farmers’ association, a
night market model for cultural exchange is held once a week on Saturday in Pa
Co commune of Mai Chau district, helping to promote socio-economic and tourism
development in the locality./.
Xoe dance, an unique art form of the Thai ethnic minority group in Mai Chau district of Hoa Binh province has existed for a long time and passed down through generations. Xoe dance is not only a popular dance in the Thai community but also a unique cultural feature, an indispensable part in the Thai ethnic minority people's cultural and spiritual life.
The Bac Son pre-school in Hung Son commune, Kim Boi district is effectively implementing a model of preserving and promoting cultural identity of the Muong ethnic group.
Through ups and downs, many unique cultural features of the Muong ethnic minority group are facing risks of falling into oblivion. However, with a strong determination, Lac Son district of Hoa Binh province has deployed synchronous solutions to preserve and promote the locality's cultural heritage values.
If Tan Lac is considered the core of the cradle of Muong culture in Hoa Binh, Phong Phu commune is the cultural centre of Muong culture in Tan Lac district. Luy Ai hamlet in Phong Phu commune is where customs and traditions of Muong Bi are preserved. Luy Ai hamlet was chosen to build a space to preserve Muong ethnic culture. The district is seeking support from the province and coordinating with relevant agencies to devise a plan on preservation of Muong cultural spaces associated with developing tourism products and improving the lives of local residents.
Nguyen Manh Tuan, a Muong ethnic man in Ba Hang Doi town, Lac Thuy district, is known as a young, dedicated, and outstanding artisan who has made significant contributions in collecting, restoring, and preserving national cultural values.
The Government Office with Document No. 2082/VPCP-KGVX, dated March 29, 2024, sent out the opinion of Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha regarding the submission of the "Mo Muong" and "Cheo art" dossiers to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
