An art programme entitled "Unforgettable Days” was held in the northern province of Dien Bien, where the battle of Dien Bien Phu took place 64 years ago, to celebrate the victory that ousted the French from Vietnam.
The gala performance to mark the 64th anniversary of Dien Bien Phu Victory (Source: Bao Dien Bien Phu).
Songs and
dances were performed to celebrate the previous generations’ heroic struggles
and sacrifices to secure a triumph which was described as having resonated
across the five continents and shook the world.
With the participation of nearly 100 singers and dancers,
the gala night brought the audience back to a historic period of the nation.
Earlier at the A1 Cemetery for Fallen Soldiers, a
candlelit vigil was held to pay tribute to those who have died for national
independence.
The cemetery was built in 1958 roughly 100 metres south
of the A1 Hill, where the battle took place.
On May 7, 1954, Vietnam
secured a final victory over the French at Dien Bien Phu, forcing them to sign
the Geneva Accords on restoring peace in Vietnam
and ending nearly 100 years of French colonial rule in Vietnam.
Source: NDO
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 This effort requires not only protecting the cultural identity but also eliminating outdated customs and developing a modern cultural lifestyle, contributing to sustainable values for the Muong community in Hoa Binh province.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.
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