Hoa Binh serves as the gateway to Vietnam's Northwest region, often called the "land of epics" and recognized as the cradle of the Muong ethnic group, with its renowned four Muong regions: Bi, Vang, Thang, and Dong. The province is also home to the iconic "Hoa Binh Culture."

The "Hoa Binh Culture": A Bond for Community Connection

Hoa Binh has a population of over 900,000, comprising six ethnic groups: Muong, Kinh, Thai, Tay, Dao, and Mong. Each group possesses its own unique cultural identity, especially the Muong people with their four distinct regions: "First Bi, Second Vang, Third Thang, Fourth Dong."

Having lived in Hoa Binh for generations, the Muong people have created numerous tangible and intangible cultural heritages that enrich Vietnam's cultural treasury.

The province boasts nearly 800 intangible cultural heritages and over 18,000 valuable artifacts. Among these, notable contributions include the famous Mo Muong and the epic Birth of Land and Water.

The Hoa Binh Museum holds 18,003 artifacts, while the province has 101 classified historical sites, including 41 at the national level and 60 at the provincial level, with over 100 awaiting classification. Cultural traditions like the Tien Pagoda Festival (Lac Thuy), Khai Ha Festival of Muong Bi (Tan Lac), Bo Temple Festival (Cao Phong - Da Bac), Xen Muong, and Gau Tao (Mai Chau) are preserved and celebrated.

Additionally, five intangible cultural heritages have been recognized as national treasures, including:

The art of Muong gong performance.
Mo Muong ritual singing.
The Muong ethnic group's traditional lunar calendar.
The Khai Ha festival of the Muong people.
The Keng Long performance art of the Thai ethnic group in Mai Chau.

These rich cultural elements, spanning both tangible and intangible aspects, form a crucial foundation for developing cultural industries and advancing the province’s cultural initiatives. The unique customs, traditions, languages, and knowledge of Hoa Binh’s ethnic groups add vibrancy to the province’s cultural diversity, attracting attention and admiration.

Spreading the Values of Hoa Binh’s Culture in a New Era
In recent years, Hoa Binh’s leadership has focused on preserving and promoting cultural values, fostering unity among the people, and mobilizing resources for cultural conservation. The province has effectively leveraged its cultural potential to develop sustainable tourism as a key economic driver.

Policies and Strategies

The provincial government has implemented several measures to protect and enhance ethnic cultural identities:

Strategic Cultural Development Goals: By 2030, Hoa Binh aims to establish mechanisms to support artisans in preserving cultural heritages.

Legislation on Cultural Promotion: The Provincial People's Council has institutionalized directives on cultural and artistic development, including policies on royalties, talent rewards, and vocational training for folk artists.

Cultural Planning and Projects: Long-term plans include the approval of the Muong ethnic script, preservation of intangible cultural heritages, and digitization of folk arts like Mo, Chiêng Sac Bua, and Muong folktales.

The province has successfully implemented various projects to preserve and teach traditional arts such as Muong gong performance, lullabies, and Muong folk singing. Efforts have also been made to collect, document, and promote significant cultural artifacts like the Birth of Land and Water epic and the Thai cultural masterpiece Am Et.

These initiatives have connected ethnic communities across the province, helping preserve their cultural heritage while adapting to modern demands.

Hoa Binh’s efforts to preserve its rich cultural heritage have laid a solid foundation for uniting its people, enabling them to overcome challenges and build a prosperous future. By fostering traditional values alongside sustainable development, the province ensures that its cultural legacy continues to inspire and thrive in the new era.

Thanh Son