The Khong gian Viet (Viet space) display area was officially put into operation in the Co Loa Citadel on February 1 as part of efforts to diversify cultural activities in the national historical-cultural relic

A view of Co Loa festival
in 2017 (Source: VNA)
Covering over 2,000 sq.m, the model comprises three wooden houses
and six leaf-tiled cottages designed in traditional style, and over 20 bamboo
booths displaying specialties of Co Loa in particular and those of the Northern
Delta region in general.
Visitors will have a chance to enjoy interesting experience, as well as get
insights into the countryside’s custom, community culture, and handicraft
trade.
Tourist visiting the area will be provided with free tickets from February 1 -
February 21.
During the first four days of operation, many cultural activities are being
arranged, including displays of bonsai trees and handicrafts, traditional art
shows, water puppet performances, and food introduction.
At the end of 2017, the site’s management board introduced the Ca tru
(ceremonial singing) art performed by artisans from the Lo Khe Ca tru club of
Dong Anh district, in the site as part of efforts to preserve the intangible
cultural heritage.
Source: VNA
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 This effort requires not only protecting the cultural identity but also eliminating outdated customs and developing a modern cultural lifestyle, contributing to sustainable values for the Muong community in Hoa Binh province.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.
Muong calendar, known as sach doi, is an ancient folk knowledge system developed through observations of the movement of the pleiades star. This unique calendar consists of 12 bamboo sticks, each representing a lunar month. Specific days within each month are marked with distinct symbols, guiding locals in determining auspicious and inauspicious days for important activities.