In its early years, the country was divided, with the North simultaneously building socialism while supporting the South in the resistance war. When the United States launched its destructive war against the North in 1964, Lai Châu’s cultural sector shouldered the responsibility of organizing cultural activities, propaganda, and public campaigns rich in revolutionary spirit. From mobile film screenings for soldiers at anti-aircraft sites and lively amateur art performances to timely news on the battles of people in both regions, these activities kindled patriotism and strengthened faith in victory. With tireless contributions, on January 12, 1971, the Lai Châu People’s Art Troupe was awarded the Third-class Labor Order, an enduring testimony to the role of culture in national defense.

The resistance war against the American invaders ended in complete victory with the historic Hồ Chí Minh Campaign on April 30, 1975. Reunification brought new missions, and the cultural sector continued to accompany the people in rebuilding the nation. Guided by the principle that “no commune, farm, enterprise, school, armed unit, or agency should lack a minimum cultural life,” cultural institutions were consolidated, facilities were improved, and the spiritual life of the people was uplifted. Major events such as the decennial celebrations of the Điện Biên Phủ Victory and the inauguration of the Điện Biên Phủ Victory Monument in 2004 left indelible marks of pride. That same year, when Lai Châu province was divided into two provinces, Điện Biên’s cultural sector received its new name. On May 5, 2008, the Điện Biên provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism was officially established, marking a new phase of multi-sector management and development.

Through solidarity and determination, the department’s leadership and staff quickly overcame challenges, streamlined the organizational apparatus, and proactively advised on the adoption of important resolutions, projects, plans, and strategies, laying the groundwork for comprehensive development in culture, sports, and tourism. Cultural and artistic activities became increasingly diverse, closely linked to political tasks and the public’s cultural needs. Since 2014, the annual Hoa Ban Festival has grown into a distinctive cultural and tourism brand of the province. Amateur art movements have remained vibrant with thousands of performances attracting millions of spectators. Professional art performances have reached higher standards, blending tradition and modernity, with many artists honored as Meritorious Artists.

Library work, mobile cinema, reading ambassador contests, and book festivals have fostered reading habits and spread knowledge. Heritage preservation has received special attention. Điện Biên is home to one special national historical relic, the Điện Biên Phủ battlefield, associated with the victory that “resounded across five continents and shook the world,” along with 14 national relics, 22 nationally recognized intangible cultural heritages, and two intangible cultural heritages inscribed by UNESCO as representative of humanity (the Thái “xòe” dance and the “then” practice of the Tày, Nùng, and Thái peoples). More than 40 Meritorious Artisans have been recognized for their dedication. Cultural diplomacy has expanded international cooperation, bringing the image of Điện Biên to global audiences through festivals, exhibitions, and events in Russia, Laos, Switzerland, China, and beyond.

Alongside culture, the fields of sports, tourism, information, journalism, and publishing have also developed in harmony, creating a synergistic effect in promoting the image of Điện Biên. Culture has become both a foundation and a driving force for other sectors while simultaneously being elevated through the dynamism of those same fields.

After 62 years of growth, the Điện Biên cultural sector has affirmed its position and made important contributions to the 80-year journey of Vietnamese culture. Entering a new period, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Điện Biên embodies the aspiration to contribute through key orientations: innovating management thinking and operational methods, applying digital technology in heritage preservation, promotion, and value enhancement, building a comprehensive cultural database, developing smart cultural-tourism products, and improving human resource quality to meet international integration. The sector remains committed to the dual goal of preserving identity while fostering creativity to adapt and realize the resolutions of Party congresses at all levels. From its traditional roots and with a spirit of aspiration, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Điện Biên is becoming a bright spot on the cultural map of Vietnam in an era of development and national prosperity.

Nguyễn Minh Phú

Director of the Điện Biên provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism