Thirteen communes in Hanoi are thriving centers for mountain communities and ethnic minorities. The Dao and Muong peoples coexist in these regions and share a variety of fascinating cultural customs. According to local insiders, as rural development progresses, these cultural assets will be revived and promoted, improving social and cultural life as well as the local economy.

Promoting Muong heritage through gong performances

Residents of Minh Quang Commune, Ba Vi District. Photo: Hanoimoi Newspaper

Members of the gong team from Lat Village (Minh Quang Commune, Ba Vi District) often gather to rehearse for their performances. Nguyen Thi Duyen, Head of the Lat Village Gong Club, emphasizes that gongs are treasured jewels of the Muong people.

Every important event in the community is accompanied by the cherished music of the gongs. Whenever the gongs play, a vibrant and joyful atmosphere permeates the Muong community.

Remarkably, according to Do Van Minh, Standing Deputy Secretary of the Minh Quang Commune Party Committee, 41% of the commune's population is ethnic Muong, most of whom live in the bustling villages of Coc Dong Tam, Dy, Lat, Vip, and Dam San. The Muong people's rich cultural heritage is still very much alive, as evidenced by their daily rituals and deep community ties.

He added that the commune boasts two national historical and cultural treasures, including the Ha Temple and the Trung Temple, which pay homage to the worship of Tam Vi Duc Thanh Than. 

Every year during the lively Tan Vien Son Thanh Festival, the air is filled with the mesmerizing sounds of gong playing, ensuring that this cherished tradition is alive and well in Muong villages.

Neighboring Minh Quang, Ba Vi commune stands out as the only area in Hanoi where the Yao people live as a close-knit community. More than 500 houses make up the community, which is mainly concentrated in the charming villages of Yen Son, Hop Son, and Hop Nhat.

Duong Kim Lien, a Yao resident of Yen Son Village, reported that the Dao community in Ba Vi commune has successfully preserved its vibrant customs, traditions, and distinct cultural identity. These include unique festivals such as the Jumping Tet Festival, sacred rites, and their traditional dress, language, and writing system.

Thanks to ongoing rural development efforts, the community's economic situation has improved significantly, leading to a noticeable reduction in poverty. The Dao people now have greater opportunities to revive, protect, and celebrate their rich cultural heritage.

Doan Thi Thinh, Chairwoman of the People's Committee of Yen Binh Commune (Thach That District), said that the Muong people in Yen Binh Commune have kept many vibrant cultural traditions alive.

She added that their tangible culture shines through in their charming stilt houses, colorful traditional clothing, delicious cuisine, and the tools that are integral to their daily lives. Meanwhile, their intangible heritage flourishes in their unique language, captivating songs and dances, and engaging traditional sports and games.

This rich cultural tapestry is also preserved by the Muong communities in nearby Dong Xuan and Phu Man (Quoc Oai District) and An Phu (My Duc District).

Boost tourism with ethnic and cultural activities

Dong Xuan, an ethnic mountain community in Quoc Oai District. Photo: Lam Nguyen/ The Hanoi Times

Nguyen Van Chi, Deputy Head of the Hanoi Coordination Office for New Rural Development, revealed that all 13 ethnic minority and mountainous communes have successfully met the new rural development standards. The momentum for improvement continues as they aim to create model new-style rural areas.

"The local government has made remarkable investments in the construction of spectacular cultural centers, largely funded by the city budget. Village gong clubs meet in these colorful spaces to perform, share stories, and teach about the rich cultural significance of Muong gongs. The ethnic minority communities benefit spiritually from this program, which also preserves their traditional identity," he stressed.

In Ba Vi District, local authorities have organized twice-weekly broadcasts in the Muong language on community radio systems in mountainous communes. They successfully conducted the first Muong gong training in three communes of Yen Bai, Van Hoa, and Tan Linh, and provided gongs for local authorities to manage, use, and preserve as part of efforts to protect Muong cultural heritage.

The culture of ethnic minority communities in Hanoi is not only being preserved and developed but is also being leveraged for tourism growth.

Do Van Minh, Standing Deputy Secretary of the Minh Quang Commune Party Committee (Ba Vi District), said that many tourism businesses in the area have partnered with gong clubs to perform cultural shows for visitors. This initiative not only promotes Muong culture but also brings significant income to the local population.

He added that to spread this cultural activity, the commune has organized an annual Muong Cultural Preservation Festival featuring a Muong language speaking contest, gong performances, crossbow shooting, traditional bamboo dancing, tug-of-war, and ethnic cooking.

"These activities enrich the cultural and spiritual life of the community as part of the ongoing rural development initiative," Minh said.