Dong Nai Promotes Community Engagement in Preserving and Building Grassroots Cultural Life
(TITC) – Building a vibrant grassroots cultural life is not merely about organizing local activities, it is also about preserving and promoting the unique cultural identity of each community and ethnic group. This, in turn, forms a vital foundation for the comprehensive development of people and culture in Dong Nai during the era of integration.
The Then singing and Tinh lute performance model of the Tày and Nùng ethnic groups in Thanh Son Commune, Dong Nai Province, contributes to enriching the spiritual life of the local people
Across villages and neighborhoods in the province, the movement to build a healthy cultural life has become increasingly profound, reflected through various initiatives such as promoting civilized lifestyles, nurturing “Cultural Families” and “Cultural Residential Areas,” and maintaining arts, sports, and ethnic folk music clubs. These models have become true “cultural rendezvous points,” where people not only exercise and enjoy recreation but also nurture their souls and preserve the distinct spirit of their homeland.
One notable example is the Long Thanh Poetry Club, where most members are elderly residents who have sustained regular gatherings for over a decade. Through simple yet heartfelt verses about the homeland, the country, and daily labor, the members not only find joy and connection but also inspire younger generations to appreciate traditional culture.
Beyond poetry, many folk-art forms of ethnic minorities in the province are also being revived and promoted. These include clubs dedicated to quan họ folk songs, Southern amateur music (đờn ca tài tử), Xam singing, and Then singing and Tinh lute of the Tày and Nùng people in Thanh Son commune. These clubs serve as bridges for communities to preserve their native languages, melodies, musical instruments, and traditional customs. Each gathering or performance is not only a celebration of artistic passion but also a way for traditional culture to be passed down from generation to generation.
Residents of Trang Bom Commune actively participate in Quan họ folk singing activities at local cultural centers, creating a space for community exchange and connection
Ms. Tran Thi Sau, a worker and member of the Traditional Folk Music Club in Long Hưng Ward, shared: “Whenever I sing quan họ or xẩm, I feel like I’m reliving the cultural memories of my hometown. It’s a source of pride and motivation for me and others to continue preserving and spreading our cultural identity.”
Her simple yet heartfelt words embody the enduring vitality of traditional culture when it is respected and continued by the community itself.
From a management perspective, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Dong Nai has been actively emphasizing the role of the people as cultural actors in grassroots cultural development. According to Mrs. Le Thi Ngoc Loan, Director of the Department, building cultural life at the grassroots level is not only about providing recreational spaces but also about preserving cultural identity, fostering a healthy cultural environment, and contributing to socio-economic development.
Moving forward, Dong Nai will continue to refine criteria for cultural environments within families, communities, agencies, schools, and businesses, while promoting community participation in preserving identity, eliminating outdated customs, and encouraging civilized, progressive lifestyles. The ongoing campaigns such as “All People Unite to Build Cultural Life”, together with efforts to improve the quality of local cultural institutions, will lay the groundwork for sustainably preserving traditional culture and spreading its values in modern life.
Today, the grassroots cultural life in Dong Nai is being built upon the collective strength of the community. Every resident, whether through simple verses, sweet then melodies, the lively beats of paranưng drums, or local art and sports gatherings, is helping to write the next chapter of their homeland’s cultural story. This is how the ethnic groups of Dong Nai keep their “cultural stream” alive and flowing, harmonizing with modern rhythms while preserving their authentic traditions.
With the joint efforts of local authorities, communities, and individuals, the movement to build grassroots cultural life in Dong Nai will not only serve as a platform for spiritual enrichment but also become a driving force for nurturing and promoting the cultural heritage of all ethnic groups, contributing to the creation of well-rounded, confident, and culturally rich people of Dong Nai in the era of global integration.
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