The provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism on January 9 held a conference to review the culture, sports, tourism, and family work in 2023, and launch orientations and tasks in 2024.
Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Culture,
Sports and Tourism Luu Huy Linh presents certificates of merit of the Ministry
of Culture, Sports and Tourism to outstanding organisations and individuals at
the conference.
According to reports presented at the event, the province’s culture, sports and
tourism sector showed good performance in implementing its tasks in 2023.
The locality successfully organised the Khai Ha festivalof theMuong
ethnicgroup, and the folk-art festivalof ethnic minorities in Hoa
Binh. It also hosted the2023 National Traditional Musical Instrument
Soloand OrchestraCompetition, the terrain and short-distance
cycling tournament of the Vietnam Bicycle-Motor Sports Federation,
and the 37th national championship for mountain bike and road cycling in 2023.
Hoa Binh welcomed an estimated 3.8 million tourists in 2023, earning a total
revenue of 4 trillion VND (over 164 million USD), up 9.8% and 2.6% higher
than the plans set for the year, respectively.
The sector provided recommendations to the provincial People's Committee to
issue a plan to conserve and promote cultural values of the Muong ethnic group
in 2023 – 2030; and to the Steering Committee of the movementof "All
People unite to build cultural life”to issue plans and documents to
direct localities to implement the movement at the grassroots level.
Last year, the province’s culture household and residential area rates reached
88.3% and 96.3%, respectively. As many as 185 agencies and enterprises were
recognised to meet cultural standards in the 2018 - 2022 period. The percentage
of individuals regularly participating in sports and physical activities
reached 36.2%, while the ratio of households engaged in sports activities was
27%.
This year, the sector set to have 76.8% of households recognised
ascultural families, and 37.1% of the population regularly participating
in sports and physical activities.
Hoa Binh is expected to serve 4.2 million visitors and raked in 4.6 trillion
VND from tourism activities.
On the occasion, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism awarded
certificates of merit to two organisations and two individuals. Two others were
presented with insignias for the cause of culture, sports and tourism.
Meanwhile, three organisations and eight individuals were awarded certificates
of merit of the provincial People’s Committee; and 10 organisations and 11
individuals were honoured by the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and
Tourism.
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.