Preserving the cultural identity of the Pa Then people

Amidst the modern life rhythm, the Pa Then ethnic community in Tuyen Quang continues to steadfastly preserve and promote cultural values passed down through generations. Traditional costumes, brocade weaving, festivals and daily customs remain distinctive features, creating a unique and vibrant cultural identity.

Pa Then women in Tan Trinh Commune preserve the traditional weaving craft.

The traditional attire of Pa Then women stands out with its dominant red color - symbolizing the Fire God and good fortune, combined with rich patterns such as diamond shapes, triangles and wave motifs. Once at risk of fading, the brocade weaving craft has been strongly revived. Many vocational training classes are now organized directly in villages, attracting the participation of women and young people. Several brocade products made by women in Tan Trinh Commune have been introduced to international markets, helping increase incomes while affirming the vitality of indigenous culture.

Alongside traditional costumes, the Pa Then people continue to maintain many time-honored rituals and customs, including ceremonies praying for good harvests, ancestor worship, wedding traditions and distinctive residential architecture. Stilt houses roofed with palm leaves, centrally located kitchens, and the sounds of traditional instruments and courtship songs during festivals and holidays together form a vivid cultural landscape rich in ethnic identity.

In recent years, local authorities have actively accompanied the community in preserving and promoting cultural heritage. Tuyen Quang Province has elevated the Pa Then Fire Dancing Festival into a large-scale cultural and tourism event. Notably, on December 5, 2025, the province organized the first provincial-level Pa Then Fire Dancing Festival in Tan Trinh Commune, attracting large numbers of visitors and art troupes.

At the same time, Tan Trinh Commune has focused on restoring traditional festivals, opening brocade weaving classes, establishing folk art clubs and supporting the development of community-based tourism. A range of experiential tourism activities linked to Pa Then culture, such as watching fire dancing performances, learning brocade weaving, experiencing local cuisine and visiting traditional houses, has drawn growing interest from tourists.

The development of community-based tourism has created new livelihoods for local people while providing strong motivation for the Pa Then community to safeguard its cultural identity. Cultural values that once faced the risk of fading are now being revitalized, becoming a source of pride and contributing to sustainable development for the community.

Hai Huong