In order restore brocade weaving of the Thai ethnic group, with the support of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the Chieng Chau Brocade Weaving and Tourism Services Cooperative was established in Chieng Chau commune (Mai Chau district) in 2009.
The Chieng Chau Brocade Weaving and
Tourism Services Cooperative has joined exhibitions
and fairs to promote its
products and expand the market.
The cooperative has continued its operation
after the JICA project concluded, and in 2013 it registered for official
establishment in line with the Cooperative Law.
Its Deputy Director Vi Thi Oanh said developing
the craft has created jobs for local residents, while preserving traditional
values. Its members have made efforts in production and
optimised local tourism advantages to popularise products to both domestic and
foreign tourists.
The cooperative has expanded its operation,
generating jobs for tens of labourers whose monthly income ranges from 3-4
million VND (123.5-164.67 USD) each. Chieng Chau brocade products have been known to
many people, especially foreigners, through fairs and exhibitions throughout
the country.
Moreover, the cooperative has coordinated with
local authorities and the farmers’ association of Chieng Chau hamlet to form a
Thai brocade weaving group within the cooperative, which aims to utilise the
existing resources, bring together weaving lovers, restore the traditional
craft, and raise income for local ethnic minority women.
After two years of operation, the group now
gathers 10 members whose skills have been improved significantly, contributing
to increasing productivity, fulfilling orders of domestic and foreign
customers. Most importantly, the members have enjoyed stable income and
improved living standards.
Pham The Anh, Chairman of the Mai Chau Farmers
Association, said the cooperative will further support the cooperative in
promoting the image of the group through exhibitions, fairs, television
channels and social networks.
In many major cultural events in Hanoi, the sound of the Muong people's gongs has become a special tone, contributing to the unique harmony that praises the cultural values accumulated over thousands of years along with the sacred soul of the capital city.
On the first day back to work and school after the Lunar New Year holiday, thousands of female officials, civil servants, and students from grade nine and above in Lac Son district proudly wore the traditional Muong attire. The vibrant brocade patterns created a striking cultural display, reinforcing the community's commitment to preserving and promoting their heritage.
The provincial-level Khai Ha festival 2025 of the Muong ethnic minority group took place at Phong Phu commune’s stadium in Tan Lac district of Hoa Binh province on the morning of February 5 (the 8th day of the first lunar month of the Year of the Snake).
"Xuong Dong” (going to the field) festival opened in Yen Phu commune of Hoa Binh’s Lac Son district on February 5, or the eighth day of the Year of the Snake, drawing thousands of locals and visitors to partake in a variety of activities.
When spring comes, festivals are held in villages in all four Muong areas, namely Bi, Vang, Thanh, and Dong in Hoa Binh provinces. Along with the preservation and restoration of festivals, many unique rituals in the festivals are recreated, which attract a lot of local residents and tourists.
On the morning of February 1, 2025 (the fourth day of the Lunar New Year), the Lac Thuy district People’s Committee hosted the opening of the Tien pagoda festival. Attending the event were alternate member of the Party Central Committee and Secretary of the Hoa Binh provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Phi Long, permanent Vice Secretary of the provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the provincial People’s Commtitee Bui Duc Hinh.