The Co Tu community in Hoa Vang District, Da Nang, is actively preserving and promoting its rich cultural heritage while integrating it with the city’s tourism development. This effort reflects the community’s commitment to retaining their identity amidst modernization, while also contributing significantly to Da Nang’s socio-economic growth.
Nurturing Cultural Identity
The Co Tu ethnic group, comprising approximately 1,500 residents, is concentrated in the villages of Ta Lang and Gian Bi (Hoa Bac Commune) and Phu Tuc (Hoa Phu Commune). These villages serve as a “living museum,” showcasing unique cultural traditions, including language, attire, architecture, festivals, and crafts.
Do Thanh Tan, Head of Hoa Vang District’s Culture and Information Department, noted that while the Co Tu culture is enriched by new influences, urbanization and globalization pose challenges, leading to the loss of some traditional customs and practices. To counter this, village elders and artisans play a pivotal role in passing down traditions and encouraging adherence to cultural preservation initiatives.
“In recent years, cultural preservation has primarily relied on those directly involved in transmitting knowledge to the younger generation through dedicated programs,” Tan emphasized.
Reviving Festivals and Traditions
In collaboration with local authorities, the Co Tu community has undertaken numerous initiatives to restore cultural practices and celebrate their heritage.
- Cultural Events: In April 2023, the Hoa Vang District People’s Committee organized a cultural and sports event that featured the traditional Tung Tung-Za Za dance, gong performances, and unique ceremonies like the twinning ritual. These activities fostered community solidarity while attracting tourists.
- National Representation: At the end of 2023, Co Tu representatives from Da Nang participated in a national festival celebrating ethnic culture and tourism in Hanoi. They showcased art performances, traditional costumes, cuisine, and bamboo tree displays, exchanging cultural knowledge with other ethnic groups.
These events highlight the Co Tu people’s dedication to preserving their heritage while sharing it with wider audiences.
Integrating Culture with Tourism
To align cultural preservation with tourism development, Hoa Vang District has introduced training programs for community members since early 2023. These initiatives include:
- Storytelling Training: Ethnic minority students and homestay owners in Ta Lang and Gian Bi villages are trained to share the origins and significance of Co Tu culture with visitors.
- Cultural Classes: Courses in brocade weaving and traditional folk songs and dances have drawn significant participation, ensuring the transfer of skills and knowledge to younger generations.
Nguyen Thuc Dung, Standing Vice Chairman of Hoa Vang District People’s Committee, emphasized the importance of preserving cultural traditions such as dance, music, and brocade weaving, which are integral to Co Tu identity and local festivals.
“The Co Tu community actively contributes to preserving and promoting their traditional values in ways that support socio-economic and tourism development,” Dung remarked.
Policy Support for Cultural Preservation
In 2022, the Da Nang People’s Committee launched a project aimed at preserving and promoting the traditional values of the Co Tu community through 2030. This project has elevated cultural awareness and provided vital resources, including traditional musical instruments and training programs, to strengthen the community’s ability to maintain their heritage.
As a result, the Co Tu people in Hoa Vang District are not only preserving their cultural identity but also leveraging it to enhance tourism and local economic opportunities. This harmonious approach ensures that the community’s rich traditions will be celebrated and sustained for generations to come.
