Amidst the vibrant flow of modern life, traditional cultural values continue to exist, blending and shining brightly. In Son La, the pedestrian street is a vivid testament to this fusion, where ethnic cultural identity meets youthful energy, creating a space that is both familiar and fresh, full of vitality.
As night falls, Hoang Quoc Viet pedestrian street in Chieng Coi ward glows with dazzling lights and vibrant sounds. On every street corner, traditional dances, Thai songs, drumming, and gong playing fill the air—the distinctive cultural features of the people of Northwest Vietnam.
Ms. Ca Thi Loan - Chieng Sinh Ward, Son La Province: Today, I am very happy to participate in the cultural exchange at the pedestrian street and to perform many artistic acts. Our wish is to participate every week.
Ms. Lo Thi Bun - Chieng Coi Ward, Son La Province: The dance performances were excellent, reflecting the customs and traditions of Son La, and everyone in the surrounding area really enjoyed them.
Alongside spaces steeped in tradition, the pedestrian street is also vibrant with modern performances from youthful dance groups: folk dance, hip-hop, flashmob… The energetic movements and youthful energy breathe new life into the street.
Mr. Nguyen Duc Nam - Chieng Sinh Ward, Son La Province: I find these dance performances very youthful and modern; watching them makes me feel much younger. The city has created more playgrounds for young people, and the people also have more places to entertain themselves.
What's special is that the dance groups don't just focus on modernity; they skillfully incorporate traditional cultural elements into each performance – from ethnic costumes to dance props like the "con" ball and bamboo platform. This creativity creates a unique identity, spreading love for national culture among young people in a relatable and engaging way.
Ms. Do Thanh Hoa - Head of Thanh Hoa Fitness Dance Club, To Hieu Ward, Son La Province: We always aspire to bring the best aspects of our national culture, from the traditional costumes like the "ao com" and "ao dai" to props such as the "con" ball used in the "dao sa" and "da xoe" dances, into our dance performances.
Young people are not only attracted by vibrant modern dance performances but also by traditional cultural spaces. They eagerly visit pedestrian streets to experience, learn about, and connect with their cultural roots. This is a crucial bridge that helps prevent traditional culture from fading away, while preserving and developing it in modern life.
Em Tong Thu Ngoc - Chieng An Ward, Son La Province: As a young person, when I come to the pedestrian street, I really like the ethnic cultural spaces like this, and I think this is a very effective way to promote ethnic culture.
The pedestrian street is not only a recreational space, but also a place where traditional culture is revived in the spirit of the times. The harmonious blend of tradition and modernity has created a unique cultural meeting point, contributing to enriching the spiritual life of the people and highlighting the identity of Son La in the hearts of tourists from near and far.