Preserving and transmitting good cultural values

In Vietnam, 14 ethnic groups with a population of less than 10,000 people (including: Si La, Lu, Cong, Bo Y, Ngai, Chut, Brau, Ro Mam, O Du, Mang, Lo Lo, Pa Then, Co Lao, Pu Peo) are living in 11 provinces: Lai Chau, Dien Bien, Yen Bai , Lao Cai, Ha Giang, Cao Bang, Tuyen Quang, Thai Nguyen, Nghe An, Quang Binh and Kon Tum. The traditional culture of ethnic minorities is a precious heritage. It is not only the property of a single land, people or locality, but also a priceless asset of the nation, contributing to the diversity and unity of Vietnamese culture. Traditional cultural values are always consolidated and preserved by the Party, the State, the entire political system and ethnic minorities with very few people.

Solidarity dance at the opening ceremony of the festival.

General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong once said: "Culture is the identity of the nation, if culture remains, the nation remains, if culture is lost, the nation is lost". Therefore, the strong exchange of domestic and foreign cultures and between ethnic groups in the country has posed a risk of losing the integrity of each ethnic group's culture. Therefore, the event of the Cultural Festival of ethnic groups with a population of less than 10,000 people combined with the Tourism - Culture Week of Lai Chau province in 2023, organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in coordination with the Provincial People's Committee, with the theme: "Preserving, promoting and spreading the traditional cultural identity of ethnic groups with very few people". Through the activities of the festival, a particularly meaningful cultural space has been created for cultural subjects, artisans, actors, and athletes of very few ethnic groups to have the opportunity to meet, exchange, and share valuable experiences in preserving, maintaining, and promoting traditional cultural values, making an important contribution to building Vietnamese culture and people, creating motivation to realize the aspiration to develop a prosperous and happy country in accordance with the policies and guidelines of the Party and State.

The ritual of welcoming the first thunder of the year is the most ancient and sacred custom of the O Du people.

Coming to the festival, people and tourists can immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere, participate in experiencing many cultural and sports activities rich in identity such as: Mass art festival; performance of traditional ethnic costumes; performance, introduction of festival excerpts, cultural rituals; display, introduce, promote local traditional culture; display, process and introduce culinary arts; sports activities and ethnic folk games. In addition, there are activities to promote and advertise tourism and a meeting program to honor and commend outstanding artisans, who have made many contributions to the work of preserving and transmitting traditional culture of 14 ethnic groups participating in the festival. People and tourists can admire the beauty of traditional costumes, enjoy elaborate art performances; immerse themselves in the festival space associated with the spiritual life and beliefs of ethnic people through the skillful and talented performances of artisans in the rituals; Participate in sports and folk games. Coming to Lai Chau, the delegations also experienced and participated in many meaningful activities of Lai Chau Tourism - Culture Week 2023 such as: Famtrip program to survey and connect domestic travel businesses, 3 northern provinces of Laos (Phong Sa Ly, U Dom Xay, Luang Prabang) and Chau Hong Ha (Yunnan province, China); visit the exhibition space, promote and introduce tea, ginseng, orchids and ornamental plants; the first Lai Chau province off-road motorcycle race; PuTaLeng Vietnam Paragliding Championship and the extended "Conquering Ta Lien Son Peak" mountain climbing...

Comrade Tong Thanh Hai - Member of the Provincial Party Standing Committee, Permanent Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee visited the cultural space of the Pa Then ethnic group (Cao Bang province).

At the People's Square area of the province in recent days, perhaps everyone who came here could feel the joy sparkling in the eyes of the artisans, actors, and athletes of 14 ethnic groups from all over the country. Sharing her feelings when coming to Lai Chau city, Ms. Vang Thi Kiem (Lo Lo ethnic group from Cao Bang province) warmly said: Lai Chau is beautiful, Lai Chau's land and sky are clear without any dust. This is the first time I have come here, but perhaps I will always remember this land with its beautiful landscape and open-hearted people. As for artisan Tham Dich Tho, Ngai ethnic group (Thai Nguyen province), he said: The festival recreates part of the traditional festival rituals of the ethnic groups but is very lively. I feel the originality reflecting the daily life and spirit of the people of each ethnic group.

The Rain Praying Ceremony is one of the important rituals associated with the customs, practices and labor of the Lo Lo people.

“The spirit of exchange, learning, sharing experiences together to preserve, honor, and pass on the good traditional cultural values of our people that the delegations have not only within the framework of the festival, but also spread this spirit in the working life, production, and daily activities in the community, so that the traditional culture of ethnic groups in general, and ethnic groups with very few people in particular, will forever last” - the affirmation of Ms. Trinh Thi Thuy, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism affirmed at the Opening Ceremony of the Festival, sowing much hope when the festival ended. Hopefully, the central and local levels, ministries, branches, and localities will continue to pay attention and organize more activities so that the culture of each ethnic group can retain its soul and originality without being lost over the years.

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