(baosonla.vn) - Son La and Hua Phan are two provinces with close and enduring ties, formed and nurtured throughout the history of nation-building and national defense of the two peoples. Building on this tradition, the Party committees, governments, and people of the two provinces always preserve, cultivate, and develop these ties, contributing to strengthening and further consolidating the special friendship and solidarity between Vietnam and Laos.
The art program is themed "The Love Song of Son La - Hua Phan".
A highlight of cultural exchange activities between Son La and the northern provinces of Laos was the Son La - Hua Phan (Lao People's Democratic Republic) Cultural Tourism Festival in 2024, held in Sam Neua town. Along with cultural exchange activities, photo exhibitions, and displays of agricultural products from both localities, the art program themed "The Love Song of Son La - Hua Phan" left a deep impression on the land and people of Son La and Hua Phan provinces in particular, and Vietnam and Laos in general.
Ms. Hoang Ngan Hoan, Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Son La province, said: The Son La - Hua Phan Cultural Tourism Festival is an important event aimed at promoting cultural diplomacy, introducing and promoting the image of the land and people of Son La; and the unique cultural features of the ethnic groups in the province. The festival has contributed to expanding relations and cooperation with foreign localities, organizations and individuals, and international organizations, attracting investment, increasing the contribution of trade and tourism, and developing the cultural industry in the socio-economic development of the province.
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A dance of unity performed at the art program themed "The Love Song of Son La - Hua Phan".
The art program "Love Song of Son La - Hua Phan" was performed jointly by artists and performers from the Son La Provincial and Hua Phan Provincial Song and Dance Theatres. The artistic performances, deeply rooted in the cultural identities of Vietnam and Laos, blended together to create a unique artistic space, imbued with friendship and celebrating the close ties between the two provinces.
Meritorious Artist Doan The Hung, Director of the Son La Provincial Music and Dance Theatre, shared: "Before each program, we spend time researching and learning about the cultural characteristics and customs of the people of our neighboring province. From there, we develop script ideas, select performances, design the stage and costumes, and organize thorough rehearsals. The goal is to convey to the audience the most beautiful and representative images of the land, culture, and people, praising the spirit of solidarity and friendship between the two countries and two peoples. The art programs of Son La province have always left a good impression and earned the affection of the people of Laos."
The art program is themed "The Love Song of Son La - Hua Phan".
Cultural cooperation and exchange activities between Son La province and Hua Phan province in particular, and with the northern provinces of Laos in general, have been of paramount importance in recent times. They represent a continuation of the rich material and spiritual heritage that the two countries have shared throughout history. Regular visits, working sessions, and agreements on cultural cooperation, as well as New Year greetings and cultural exchanges between various levels and sectors of Son La province and its Lao counterparts, have taken place. This includes the Son La - Hua Phan Cultural Tourism Festival and the 2024 Son La - Hua Phan Tourism Development Conference, attended by leaders from both provinces, tourism organizations and businesses in both provinces, and the Hanoi UNESCO Travel Club.
Cultural exchange and tourism development cooperation between Son La and Hua Phan provinces is expanding. Ms. Man Phenh Kha Ti Nha, Director of the Department of Information, Culture and Tourism of Hua Phan province, stated: Both Son La and Hua Phan possess many beautiful natural landscapes, rich cultural identities of ethnic groups, and friendly, hospitable people. Cultural exchange activities between Son La and Hua Phan are of great importance, contributing to strengthening and deepening the special friendship, solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two provinces.
Lao students studying in Son La province visited and learned about history at the historical site.
In addition, the Long Sap border gate in Moc Chau district, Son La province, and the Pa Hang border gate in Sop Bau district, Hua Phan province, have been upgraded to international border gates, creating new attractions and connecting tourism between Son La and Hua Phan, attracting tourists from Thailand and Laos to Son La.
A highlight of the cultural exchange between Son La and Hua Phan is the integration and similarities in their distinctive festivals, such as the Bunpimay festival of the Lao people and the New Rice Festival of the Thai, Khmu, and Muong people. On these occasions, people on both sides of the border jointly organize traditional folk rituals, praying for a bountiful harvest, health, and good fortune. The colorful bamboo pole dances and Lam Vong dances, along with the lively sounds of flutes and drums, are not only symbols of gratitude to nature but also reflect the deep interaction between the ethnic communities.
Agricultural products from Son La province are favored and chosen by the people of Hua Phan province.
The love song between Son La and Hua Phan in particular, and with the northern provinces of Laos in general, is not only a convergence of precious traditions, but also a symbol of friendship, hospitality, and sustainable cooperation. Through generations, the Vietnam-Laos border has been a solid bridge, connecting and spreading the finest cultural values of the two nations.
Source: Son La Newspaper