Contributing to the Preservation of Ethnic Cultural Values and Tourism Promotion

To date, the province has more than 1,500 performing arts teams and clubs with diverse activities such as poetry, dance, and folk dancing clubs. These efforts have contributed to creating a favorable environment for safeguarding traditional cultural values while also generating unique tourism products to attract visitors and bring economic benefits to local communities.

At a rehearsal session of the Cao Lan Ethnic Folk Performance Team in Khuon Dat Village, Phuc An Commune, Yen Binh District, the enthusiasm and joy of the "amateur artists” were clearly visible. The team, which currently has nearly 20 active members, regularly practices traditional folk songs and dances that are deeply imbued with their ethnic identity. Today, the team serves as the core cultural force during local festivals and whenever tourists visit the area.

Thach Thi Sinh, a team member, shared her excitement: "With a desire to preserve our ethnic group’s unique cultural values, in 2019, several women in the village who had a passion for traditional musical instruments and folk melodies formed the Cao Lan Ethnic Cultural Club. We practice together and perform at community and political events in the village and commune. The club is not only a place to maintain and promote Cao Lan cultural identity but also to introduce our music and traditions to tourists both inside and outside the province”.

While the Cao Lan people take pride in dances like Pang Loong, Xuc Tep, and the Sinh Ca songs, the Mong people are proud of their art of playing the khen (a traditional bamboo pipe) and their beeswax painting techniques on fabric. Established in early 2023, the cultural performance team of La Pan Tan Commune in Mu Cang Chai District was founded with the aim of preserving and promoting Mong cultural identity. Every Saturday, team members gather at the village community house to practice together. Experienced individuals guide newcomers, passing down their knowledge. Despite the club’s limited resources, members support and encourage one another with passion and a shared goal to preserve their ethnic heritage. Ly Thi Cho from La Pan Tan said: "By participating in the performance team, we voluntarily practice traditional dances and songs. Through this, I’ve learned many traditional artistic expressions and developed a deeper love and pride for the beautiful culture of my people”.

The majority of members in the La Pan Tan Commune Folk Performance Team are young people from the local area. Besides rehearsing dances such as umbrella dance, scarf dance, and the sinh tien dance, they also regularly teach one another how to sing traditional folk melodies, play the leaf flute, and the jaw harp. Ho A Tinh, Head of the La Pan Tan Commune Folk Performance Team, shared: "As children born and raised in the land of Mu Cang Chai, and with 100% of our team members being of Mong ethnicity, our main mission is to preserve and sustain the culture of our people. The team regularly performs at homestays, serving both domestic and international tourists who wish to explore Mong ethnic culture. Performing traditional dances and songs for tourists not only helps to promote our unique cultural heritage but also generates income for our team members”.

The establishment and effective operation of cultural clubs and performance teams have significantly contributed to preserving the rich cultural heritage of ethnic minorities. These groups serve as guardians of cultural spirit, ensuring its transmission to future generations. Not only do they enrich the spiritual lives of local people, but they also help to maintain traditional values within the community. Ultimately, they play a vital role in promoting the culture and image of Yen Bai’s land and people to a broader national and international audience.