Điện Biên makes efforts to preserve and conserve traditional ethnic cultures

ĐBP – Điện Biên province has been making significant efforts to preserve and promote the traditional cultures of its diverse ethnic groups. The province is home to 19 ethnic communities, each with unique cultural identities, customs, and practices. To uphold these cultural treasures, local authorities and communities have implemented various initiatives to protect traditional crafts, festivals, and customs from fading away, in the face of modern development.

The preservation of these cultural elements not only helps safeguard the heritage for future generations but also serves as a foundation for the development of community-based tourism. This approach fosters both cultural pride and economic growth, ensuring that the rich traditions of Điện Biên's ethnic groups continue to thrive.

Hồ Thị Dua from Sa Lông Commune in Mường Chà District teaches her daughter embroidery as a way of preserving the traditional craft.

Since childhood, Hồ Thị Dua from Sa Lông Commune in Mường Chà District was taught by her mother and grandmother how to embroider patterns on fabric to make traditional clothing.

To continue that tradition and preserve their ethnic heritage, Dua has been coaching her daughter on embroidery. This passing of skills from mother to daughter has contributed to keeping the traditional craft of the Mông people in the area alive.

Observing Dua and her daughter embroidering pattern, one can sense how much meticulous undertaking and precision is involved in this traditional craft. A deep love for the art and immense patience are essential for Mông women to produce such intricately crafted traditional garments.

As she skillfully guides her needle through the red fabric, Dua shared: “I don't know when the art of embroidery among Mông Hoa people began, but I was taught by my mother at the age of ten. Now, this traditional beauty, this cultural identity, has become deeply ingrained in Mông women from generation to generation. To preserve this craft, I will pass it on to my children and grandchildren, hoping to keep the traditional skills of our people alive.”

The Xạ Phang women preserve their traditional craft by making their own ethnic clothing.

After busy days working on the farm, during her free time, Lò Thị Đôi, a Lao woman from Mường Luân Commune in Điện Biên Đông District, sits by her loom to weave brocade fabric.

Despite the cultural exchange with other ethnic groups and the presence of many different types of fabric, Đôi, like many Lao women, is determined to maintain the beauty of their traditional clothing. To prevent their craft from vanishing, she teaches and provides instructions to the younger generation in her village, thereby preserving and promoting their ethnic traditions.

Đôi shared: “I learned how to weave fabric as a child, which has helped preserve the culture of our people. In the past, Lao mothers believed that if a girl doesn’t know how to weave, she wouldn't be able to marry. When marrying, Lao girls had to weave brocade to gift to their in-laws.”

“Even now, Lao women like us still wear these traditional clothes every day as well as during festivals. For Lao women, traditional brocade clothing is very important and has been cherished across generations,” she said.

Lò Thị Đôi from Mường Luân Commune in Điện Biên Đông District continues to preserve the traditional brocade weaving craft of the Lao people.

In the context of broader societal development, there have been some conflicts between preserving traditional culture and the demand for comprehensive modernisation, leading to the decline of many customs and practices. However, to preserve and promote traditional values, Điện Biên Province has been working to introduce, preserve, and develop ethnic cultural heritage in ways that align with modern renewal efforts, gradually integrating with both domestic and international communities.

To harness the potential of tourism, local authorities and people from all ethnic groups have focused on linking tourism development with the preservation of cultural heritage.

This effort is part of the Resolution No 11-NQ/TW issued on July 29, 2021, of the Provincial Party Committee, regarding the preservation and development of ethnic culture and socio-economic development in Điện Biên Province for the 2021-2025 period, with a vision towards 2030.

Đoàn Văn Chì, Deputy Director of the Provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said: “Điện Biên has a rich cultural heritage system, with many unique traditions from 19 ethnic groups living together. This is a valuable resource, full of potential, and an advantage for cultural and tourism development.”

“By promoting tourism development and contributing to preserving traditional cultural beauty, the department has worked with localities to develop community-based tourism that incorporates the preservation and promotion of ethnic cultural identity, contributing significantly to the province’s socio-economic development.”

Mông women in Sa Lông Commune in Mường Chà District pass down the skill of embroidering patterns on fabric to their daughters.

With the determination of local authorities and ethnic communities, the beautiful cultural traditions are being preserved and promoted. The successful organisation of the Cherry Blossom Festival, the opening of the National Tourism Year in Điện Biên 2024, the 2024 Ban Flower Festival, and a series of activities leading up to the 70th anniversary of the Điện Biên Phủ Victory, as well as the effective utilisation of historical and cultural heritage have heralded an array of positive changes for the province’s tourism sector.

In the first six months of the year, the number of tourists visiting Điện Biên was estimated at 1.37 million, 2.18 times higher year-on-year. Total tourism revenue was estimated at VNĐ2.47 trillion (US$100.3 million), a 2.25-fold increase compared to the first half of 2023.

Building on these results, local authorities plan to continue exploring the diverse and rich cultural values of the ethnic groups, while promoting traditional folk songs, dances, music, festivals, crafts, cuisine, and customs. This will gradually shape unique community-based tourism products that are hoped to draw both domestic and international visitors to Điện Biên.

By Quang Hưng
Comment

You have 500/500 characters left

Please enter 5 or more characters!!!

Recent news

  • 'A solid foundation for a new era of renewal and growth

    A solid foundation for a new era of renewal and growth

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    ĐBP - With a spirit of democracy, solidarity, renewal, and growth, the 2025-2030 Party congresses of grassroots-level and immediate higher-level Party committees in Điện Biên province have been successfully held in compliance with all regulations and procedures. The high quality of congress documents, personnel work, and the vibrant discussions at the congresses reflected the will, aspirations, and political determination of Party members and the public. These congresses mark an important first step, laying the groundwork for Party committees to lead the successful implementation of their goals and tasks in the new term.
  • 'Proactive adaptation to improve forest management and protection

    Proactive adaptation to improve forest management and protection

    BUSINESS -
    ĐBP - Reviewing all forest areas, reorganizing staff assignments according to new administrative boundaries, and strengthening coordination with local authorities are among the proactive measures being implemented by the provincial forest rangers to enhance forestry management under the two-tier local government model.
  • 'Career orientation and vocational pathways for highland students

    Career orientation and vocational pathways for highland students

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP - Alongside improving education quality, Điện Biên province is focusing on strengthening student career orientation and vocational pathways, particularly for students after graduating from secondary schools. This policy enables students to make choices suited to their abilities and circumstances, gradually building a solid foundation for the province’s vocational education system.
  • 'Forest management and protection adapted to the two-tier local government model

    Forest management and protection adapted to the two-tier local government model

    BUSINESS -
    ĐBP - In implementing the two-tier local government model, the Điện Biên provincial Forest Protection Division has reorganized its structure, reassigned personnel, arranged workplaces, reviewed the entire forested area, and strengthened coordination with local authorities to match the realities of each commune and ward when carrying out forestry tasks.
  • 'Upgrading and replacing suspension bridges for local communities

    Upgrading and replacing suspension bridges for local communities

    BUSINESS -
    ĐBP - Across Điện Biên province, many suspension bridges built for local communities have deteriorated or been damaged, no longer ensuring safe travel or transportation. This reality requires the construction of new bridges to replace the old, unsafe ones. Investment in strong and durable bridges is essential not only to guarantee traffic safety but also to strengthen infrastructure connectivity and promote trade, particularly in remote and mountainous areas where transportation remains difficult.
  • 'Transforming toward modern and sustainable production models

    Transforming toward modern and sustainable production models

    BUSINESS -
    ĐBP - Crop restructuring, the application of science and technology, the development of key agricultural products, clean production, and value-chain linkages are now central strategies helping Điện Biên province build a modern, sustainable agriculture, both raising farmers’ incomes and opening long-term development prospects for the province.
  • 'High consensus between Party’s will and people’s aspiration

    High consensus between Party’s will and people’s aspiration

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    ĐBP - In recent times, officials, Party members, and people from all walks of life across the province have demonstrated a strong sense of responsibility and intellect, contributing many heartfelt opinions to the draft Political Report for the 15th Congress of the Điện Biên provincial Party Committee, 2025 - 2030 tenure. These contributions have added depth and value to the document, ensuring that the goals, tasks, solutions, and breakthrough steps set by the Congress will be effectively implemented in practice.
  • 'The “key” to unlock the future

    The “key” to unlock the future

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP - In response to the demand for developing high-quality human resources to meet the requirements of industrialization, modernization, and integration, Điện Biên province is focusing on renewing career-oriented education in a practical and effective direction. Various comprehensive solutions are being implemented to help students choose suitable careers, linking training with the real demands of the labor market, thereby contributing to job creation, improving people’s livelihoods, and promoting local socio-economic development.
  • 'Nurturing knowledge in border areas

    Nurturing knowledge in border areas

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP - On an early autumn morning, the alarm bell rings, signaling the start of a new day filled with hope for 12 Lao students adopted by the Điện Biên provincial Police. The initial timid steps in a foreign land have now become more confident as they gradually integrate, pursue knowledge, build dreams, and foster strong bonds of friendship under the loving care of the people’s police officers.
  • 'Artificial sand struggles to gain foothold

    Artificial sand struggles to gain foothold

    BUSINESS -
    ĐBP - Artificial sand (manufactured sand) is considered a potential alternative as natural sand becomes increasingly scarce and its price soars. However, significant obstacles remain before this new material can secure a stable position in the market.
  • 'Ensuring the effectiveness of production support projects

    Ensuring the effectiveness of production support projects

    BUSINESS -
    ĐBP - The implementation of production support projects is an important component of the National Target Program for the 2021-2025 period. After the two-tier local government model came into operation, Na Son commune proactively reviewed and thoroughly inspected both documentation and fieldwork related to projects initiated by the former communes. This ensured that policies were carried out consistently, publicly, and transparently, reached the right beneficiaries, and achieved the intended results.
  • 'Defensive area commands fulfill dual missions

    Defensive area commands fulfill dual missions

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    ĐBP - In the course of restructuring and operating under the new two-tier local government model, Defensive Area Commands (DACs) have asserted their central role in ensuring local military and defense affairs. Beyond advising, organizing, and consolidating defense and security capacities, these units have directly accompanied Party committees, local authorities, and residents in responding to natural disasters, advancing digital governance, and safeguarding political stability and border security.
  • 'Significant progress in administrative reform in Tuần Giáo

    Significant progress in administrative reform in Tuần Giáo

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    ĐBP - Although it has only been in operation for just over two months, the atmosphere at the Public Administration Service Center of Tuần Giáo commune, Điện Biên province has already become professional and vibrant. Every day, “one-stop” officers diligently receive and process administrative procedures, bringing satisfaction to residents and businesses in the area.
  • 'Skillful mass mobilization ensures success for every task

    Skillful mass mobilization ensures success for every task

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    ĐBP - “Poor mass mobilization leads to poor results. Skillful mass mobilization ensures success.” President Hồ Chí Minh’s teaching has always been the guiding principle for the Party’s mass mobilization work throughout every stage of history. Embracing this ideology, Party committees, local authorities, armed forces, and each Party member have been striving to turn it into concrete, practical actions, contributing to strengthening the great national unity bloc.
  • 'Stability after merger: Điện Biên College sets its sights on high quality

    Stability after merger: Điện Biên College sets its sights on high quality

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP - Điện Biên Vocational College has officially merged with Điện Biên College of Economics and Technology to form Điện Biên College, marking a necessary step aligned with the government’s policy of streamlining institutions and the modern development trend of vocational education. Immediately after the merger, the school moved quickly to stabilize its organization and set ambitious goals for breakthrough development in the future.
  • 'A step forward in traffic management

    A step forward in traffic management

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    ĐBP - Since August 2024, functional agencies have officially put into operation a traffic monitoring and image-based violation handling system (commonly known as “cold fines”) at five key points in Điện Biên Phủ ward. With 19 cameras operating continuously, the system has already brought about positive changes, significantly improving public awareness of traffic laws.