Lac Son Preserves Cultural Heritage Amidst Modern Life

In the stride of modern life, Lac Son Commune identifies culture as its spiritual foundation and an internal strength driving sustainable local development. From traditional festivals and historical-cultural relics to art performances and sports, ethnic cultural identity is being preserved, transmitted, and promoted within community life.

Lac Son Commune maintains unique cultural and artistic performances of the Muong ethnic community.

Since the beginning of the year, cultural, artistic, and athletic activities across the commune have unfolded vibrantly, enriching spiritual well-being, enhancing public health, and strengthening community bonds. The commune organized the Olympic Run Day for Public Health, participated in the Tay Thien Festival Volleyball Tournament, and joined the Hung Kings' Commemoration Day – Hung Temple Festival and Ancestral Land Culture-Tourism Week. Notably, the 1st Lac Son Commune Sports Festival in 2026 concluded successfully, drawing over 600 athletes and fostering athletic movements across residential areas.

Blending sports with cultural preservation, the Dinh Coi Crossbow Club serves as a prime model. Established in 2022, the club currently counts 18 members. Through regular practice sessions, traditional crossbow shooting is maintained as an engaging venue for intergenerational connection. Mr. Bui Van Choi, a senior club member, shared: “Shooting crossbows primarily promotes health, but to us, preserving ancestor traditions matters most. During training sessions, elders guide the youth on techniques, helping the younger generation understand and cherish our ethnic sports.”

Building on this model, Lac Son aims to integrate crossbow shooting into local culture-tourism events through exchanges, demonstrations, and competitions. Residential areas are encouraged to form shooting teams, expanding the movement so crossbow shooting serves both as a healthy sport and a signature cultural attraction.

Lac Son holds a rich cultural heritage rooted in the Muong community. Alongside socio-economic growth, preserving traditional cultural values remains a local priority. State management over traditional festivals and historical-cultural sites has been strengthened, ensuring solemn, safe, economical, and compliant organization. Key events include the 2026 Dinh Coi Traditional Festival and activities at the Mother Temple (Lam Hoa 1 Street), Banyan Tree Temple (Nghia Dan Street), Banyan Fig Temple (Muong Voi Street), Truong Kha Temple (Chieng Trao Street), and the Upper Mother Temple incense offering ceremony.

Each relic and festival preserves stories, customs, and community memories passed down across generations. Organizers emphasize dignity and safety to satisfy public religious needs while fostering civic pride and traditional education.

A landmark cultural milestone for Lac Son was the official reception ceremony designating “Thuong Rang and Bo Meng Singing of the Muong People” as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage. This recognition honors the unique values preserved by the Muong community over generations, inspiring local authorities, artisans, and residents to continue teaching and bringing heritage closer to younger generations.

Bui Van Khanh, Chairman of the Lac Son Commune People’s Committee, emphasized: “We view culture as both a spiritual foundation and an intrinsic resource for development. Lac Son will continue preserving tangible and intangible cultural assets while linking signature features like Thuong Rang and Bo Meng singing, gong performance, crossbow shooting, and traditional festivals with culture-tourism activities. This approach preserves identity while creating unique offerings that promote our homeland and improve local living standards.”

To achieve this, Lac Son supports artisans, clubs, and troupe performances while encouraging youth participation. Cultural values, relics, festivals, and folk sports are being thoughtfully tapped to support tourism and enhance destination appeal.

Amid urbanization and integration, preserving identity means inheriting, refreshing, and promoting fine traditions to suit contemporary life. In Lac Son, culture thrives within every neighborhood and household—forming the bedrock for a united, identity-rich community capable of dynamic growth while retaining the unique soul of the Muong land.

Dinh Thang