Tan Son: Preserving cultural heritage, strengthening community identity

In recent years, Tan Son District has consistently prioritized the preservation and promotion of the traditional cultural values of its ethnic communities. These heritages are not only being safeguarded but also revitalized—becoming a vital resource that enriches spiritual life, fosters tourism development, and strengthens solidarity among ethnic groups.

Folk songs and traditional costumes of the Muong people are encouraged at local and ethnic festivals and rituals.

With the Muong accounting for 76.1% of the population, the Dao 5.6%, and the Mong 0.12%, the district is rich in distinct cultural features that are vividly expressed through traditional performances, songs, and dances. These include Duong Cham performances, Vi and Rang singing of the Muong people, the Chuong and Sinh Tien dances in the Cap Sac (maturity) ceremony of the Dao, and the Khen dance and flute music of the Mong people. Thanks to the guidance and policies from the party, the state, and the province, these cultural treasures are being gradually restored, preserved, and promoted—aligning with the aspirations of the district’s ethnic communities.

To safeguard these valuable intangible cultural heritages, Tan Son has implemented a range of practical and coordinated initiatives. Annual festivals such as the Going to the Field Festival on the 8th day of the first lunar month, the New Rice Celebration, and the Cultural and Sports Festival of Ethnic Groups—often linked with events in Thu Cuc Commune—have created meaningful spaces for community engagement and cultural expression. The district also works to collect and archive ancient folk songs and scripts while organizing classes and supporting grassroots art troupes to remain active and vibrant. In collaboration with the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, field research trips and training courses on traditional arts are organized, helping to recognize and nurture folk artisans—the living keepers of Vietnam’s cultural flame.

Passing on the art of beeswax pattern printing of the Dao people.

These efforts have delivered impressive results. The district is now home to 154 Duong Cham, Vi, and Rang singing clubs; 17 Chuong and Sinh Tien dancing clubs; 1 Khen playing club; 3 Gong and Chieng music clubs; 1 Xoan singing club; and, notably, 150 ethnic minority folk artists.

These cultural initiatives have significantly contributed to the “All People Unite to Build a Cultural Life” movement, helping to foster a more civilized and cohesive rural society. Ms. Hoang Thi Phuc, a Muong woman from Thu Cuc Commune and a key figure in her community’s cultural movement, shared:

“I grew up listening to folk songs during rituals, but I wasn’t confident performing them myself. After joining training courses, I’ve come to understand the uniqueness of our ethnic songs, and now I’m always ready to join cultural exchange events and pass on this legacy to younger generations.”

Alongside intangible heritage, the district also prioritizes the conservation, restoration, and enhancement of tangible cultural sites. Three key relics have received official land use rights certificates: Cua Thanh Temple in Khu Chieng, Thach Kiet Commune; Via Lua Temple in Khu Giac, Thu Cuc Commune; and Tan Temple in Minh Dai Commune.

These ancient structures are not only architectural landmarks but also serve as important spiritual and cultural centers during festivals and Tet celebrations.

Members of cultural and artistic clubs are regularly trained to preserve and promote traditional cultural values.

In tandem with heritage preservation, Tan Son also invests in building and organizing cultural, artistic, and sports movements. Cultural infrastructure has been steadily developed across all levels. The district now has 1 district-level cultural center, 17 commune-level cultural houses, and 192 residential cultural houses.

These venues serve as key hubs for cultural activities and have attracted wide community participation. Regular cultural and artistic events at all levels provide opportunities for people to share and celebrate their rich folk traditions—strengthening community bonds, enriching spiritual life, and promoting awareness and pride in national identity.

These efforts have yielded meaningful results: 80.2% of households have been recognized as “cultural families”; 86.6% of residential areas meet the criteria for “cultural residential areas.”; 85.3% of agencies, units, and businesses meet cultural standards; 100% of residential areas have cultural covenants, cultural houses, and designated spaces for cultural activities.

Thanks to these continuous efforts, the traditional cultural values of Tan Son are not only being preserved but are also driving sustainable community development—affirming the district’s status as a culturally rich and dynamic land within Phu Tho province.

Hoang Giang