The cultural exchange program between the Ca Dong people of Trà Leng commune and the coastal community of Tam Kỳ is not only an opportunity for meeting and connecting two regions but also contributes to spreading the traditional cultural values of the mountainous people of Quảng Nam. Through the sounds of gongs and drums, folk dances, and characteristic community activities, the program created a space for rich cultural intersection between the mountains and the sea.
Cultural bridge between mountains and sea
In the vibrant atmosphere of the program, many traditional art exchange activities were organized with the participation of local people, artisans, and youth from both regions. The sounds of gongs and drums resonated in the exchange space as a connection between the vast forests of Trà Leng and the coastal area of Tam Kỳ.
Traditional dances, brocade costumes, and folk performances offered participants an opportunity to learn more about the cultural life of the Ca Dong, Xơ Đăng, and Mơ Nông people – ethnic communities who have long lived in Trà Leng. This is considered one of the meaningful cultural activities aimed at strengthening community exchange, and at the same time contributing to the preservation and promotion of the traditional cultural values of the ethnic minorities in the highlands of Quảng Nam.
Preserving “living heritage”
According to local elders and artisans, cultural exchange activities not only help promote ethnic identity but also create conditions for the younger generation to better understand their roots and traditions.
The sounds of gongs and drums, brocade weaving, and traditional folk songs are considered “living heritage” closely associated with community life through many generations.
However, with the changes in modern life, many traditional cultural values are at risk of fading if not properly preserved.
“Young people now know less about playing gongs and drums or weaving brocade than before. Programs like these help them understand and be prouder of their ethnic culture,” shared an elder in Trà Leng.
Towards preservation associated with community development
Currently, the People's Committee of Trà Leng commune is coordinating with cultural units and related organizations to develop long-term cultural preservation programs. In addition to maintaining community exchange activities, the locality also aims to develop community tourism associated with indigenous cultural experiences.
According to the local orientation, preservation is not only about retaining traditional values but also about creating livelihoods for people through tourism activities, cultural performances, and traditional handicraft products. From the resounding gongs and drums in the vast mountains to the connecting rhythms with the coastal area of Tam Kỳ, the journey of preserving the culture of the Trà Leng people is being continued with the joint efforts of the community and today's young generation.
