Developing Dong Nai's Cultural Industry

​(News Portal – Dong Nai) - Alongside economic development, Dong Nai province is actively promoting cultural growth, with a particular focus on the cultural industry. 

Through various innovative approaches, the cultural industry is expected to “leverage” the province's socio-economic development. ​

The 2024 Balloon Festival held in Nhon Trach district

Vast Potentials

In addition to its focus on becoming a major economic hub in the Southeastern region and the nation, Dong Nai also pays great attention to cultural development. With 71 recognized historical sites, more than 1,500 general heritage sites, and various intangible cultural heritages, Dong Nai possesses many advantages and potential to become one of the leading provinces in developing the cultural industry, creating a unique brand for a land with over 325 years of history and development.

Although it ended several months ago, the impressions from the Ong Pagoda Festival (Hiep Hoa Ward, Bien Hoa City) and the Sayangva Festivals of the Choro ethnic group in various localities still linger in the hearts of participants through the recreated traditional rituals. Notably, the Sayangva Festival is being proposed by the provincial Department of Culture to the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism for inclusion in the National Intangible Cultural Heritage List.

Dr. Nguyen Van Quyet, Chairman of the Vietnam - Japan Friendship Association in Dong Nai, said that the more unique and distinctive a festival is, the more attractive it becomes. Traditional festivals in Dong Nai, with their own values, identities, stories, and messages, are essential resources to transform into appealing products for the cultural industry.

Most recently, the Association of Vietnamese Folklorists awarded the title of "Folk Artisan" to Mrs. Dinh Thi Thanh Loan (resident of Trang Dai Ward, Bien Hoa City) for her work in performing and teaching the traditional "Bong roi - Dia nang" ritual. Artisan Thanh Loan has spent over 40 years practicing and teaching this unique folk performing art, which includes singing and dancing rituals often associated with worship festivals at temples and shrines, especially during ceremonies for the "Lady" (such as the Lady of the Realm, Lady Fire, and Five Elements Goddess).

In the performing arts sector, many shows in Dong Nai have incorporated intangible cultural heritage to create new and contemporary performances that captivate audiences. These include traditional music performances like Southern amateur music, as well as water puppetry and dry puppetry shows. Through the creativity of skilled individuals, cultural heritage is increasingly being preserved and rightfully promoted.

EDM Music Night Held in Bien Hoa City, 2024

Focusing on Strengths in Key Sectors

Since the beginning of the year, Dong Nai has hosted many vibrant cultural and artistic activities, attracting thousands of locals and tourists. These include the Nhon Trach Balloon Festival, an exciting EDM music night with fireworks in Bien Hoa City, and cultural and book fairs in Bien Hoa and Long Khanh cities.

Mr. Nguyen Xuan Thanh, Vice Chairman of Bien Hoa City People's Committee, revealed that from now until the end of the year, the city will organize a series of events such as the Bien Hoa Book Festival 2024, Nguyen Van Tri Flower Street for the Lunar New Year 2025, and the development of the Bien Hoa - Dong Nai Heritage Road, connecting the Nguyen Van Tri pedestrian street to the Vinh Cuu District entrance gate. Additionally, a Bien Hoa culinary cultural space will be set up along Phan Trung Street. These activities aim to enrich the cultural and spiritual life of the people.

"In recent times, Bien Hoa City has focused on investing in the development of the cultural industry. In addition to creating entertainment venues and hosting cultural events in parks, the city has introduced open mechanisms and policies to encourage individuals, organizations, and businesses to invest in infrastructure, equipment, and diversify tourism products. This includes businesses investing in Son Tien and Buu Long tourist areas, as well as upgrading tourist accommodations in the city," Thanh shared.

To increase the appeal of Bien Hoa - Dong Nai as a destination, the cultural sector has applied digital technology to various heritage sites, offering virtual tours of Tran Bien Temple of Literature, Hang Gon megalithic tomb, and Nguyen Huu Canh Shrine, as well as eco-tours of the Cat Tien National Park and national treasures.

In the culinary sector, Dong Nai has earned a place on both domestic and international food maps, thanks to famous dishes such as Bien Hoa pomelo salad, lotus-stuffed meatloaf, rambutan salad, crispy fried sticky rice, forest vegetable rolls with braised shrimp, and pomelo-steamed chicken.

With numerous open policies, the activation of resources, and new creative initiatives, Dong Nai's cultural industry is gradually flourishing. This progress is fostering the province's socio-economic development and shaping well-rounded individuals in Dong Nai. ​