(HBO) – The People’s Committee of the northwestern mountainous province of Hoa Binh has convened a meeting to prepare for the culture and tourism week slated for November.
The provincial culture and tourism week aims to introduce and honour
traditional culture and national cultural heritage in Hoa Binh, while promoting
the locality’s tourism potential. It is expected to see the participation of
Hoa Binh’s neighbouring provinces.
The highlight of the programme is a beauty contest that honours the beauty of
local women, as well as the land and people of Hoa Binh in general. The winner of
the pageant will have a chance to work as Hoa Binh’s brand ambassador.
The qualification round of the contest will last from August 25 to September 12,
while the finale will take place from October 20 to November 3.
Speaking at the meeting, Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee
Nguyen Van Chuong asked the organisers to ensure the progress of the festival.
Apart from tourism promotion, local products should be introduced during the
festival, he said, stressing the organisation of the "One Commune, One Product”
exhibition by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development on this
occasion.
The auction of the holding of the beauty contest should be publicised and
contest rules announced no later than August 25, he said.
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 This effort requires not only protecting the cultural identity but also eliminating outdated customs and developing a modern cultural lifestyle, contributing to sustainable values for the Muong community in Hoa Binh province.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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