Quang Binh - Quang Tri: A Heritage Land with 3 Newly Recognized Traditional Festivals

The Tuong Son Village Khai Ha Festival, located in Ba Don Ward, Ba Don Town, Quang Tri Province (formerly Quang Binh), is a traditional ritual deeply rooted in folk cultural identity. Held in early spring, this festival aims to pray for favorable weather in the new year, bumper crops, and a peaceful life. This is an occasion for the people of Tuong Son village to remember their ancestors and deities and to express gratitude to heaven and earth.

Unique Features of the Festival

• Spiritual rituals: The festival begins with worship ceremonies at the village communal house, attended by elders and the local community. Offerings such as roasted pork, sticky rice, and wine are carefully prepared to present to the gods.
• Cultural activities: Following the ceremonial part, the festive activities take place enthusiastically with folk games like tug-of-war, wrestling, lion dance performances, and Tuong singing (traditional opera), creating a joyful and cohesive atmosphere.
• Community significance: The festival provides an opportunity for locals and visitors to interact, strengthen neighborly bonds, and pass down traditional cultural values to the younger generation.

The Tuong Son Village Khai Ha Festival is not only of spiritual significance but also an opportunity to experience unique folk culture. 

The boat racing festival on the Gianh River is one of the long-standing traditional festivals of the people of Quang Tri, closely linked to riverine life and beliefs of praying for good harvests and abundant fishing. Held annually, the festival is not only a cultural activity but also an opportunity to practice physical strength and demonstrate community solidarity and perseverance.

Highlights of the Festival

• Dramatic boat race: Men's and women's boat teams from various villages compete on the Gianh River, with race courses ranging from 15km (women) to 24km (men). The atmosphere is vibrant with enthusiastic cheering from tens of thousands of spectators along both riverbanks.
• Indigenous culture: The festival reflects the daily life of people in river areas, featuring rituals praying for bountiful harvests and favorable weather.
• Large scale: The festival attracts thousands of participants, from locals to domestic and international tourists, creating a vibrant cultural space.

Attending the Gianh River boat racing festival, visitors can not only immerse themselves in the lively atmosphere but also explore the majestic natural beauty of the Gianh River, one of the famous rivers in Central Vietnam. Combining your trip with a visit to Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park or Nhat Le Beach will give you a complete journey.

Kim Phong Pagoda - Than Dinh Mountain Festival, taking place in Truong Son Commune, Quang Ninh District, Quang Tri Province, is an important spiritual event associated with the ancient pagoda located at the foot of Than Dinh Mountain. The festival is held to pray for peace, blessings, and to commemorate deities and ancestors.

Highlights of the Festival

• Sacred space: Kim Phong Pagoda, situated at the foot of Than Dinh Mountain, boasts a harmonious blend of nature and ancient architecture. Worship rituals are solemnly conducted, attended by numerous locals and Buddhist followers.
• Sacred water procession ritual: One of the special rituals is the water procession from Gieng Tien (Fairy Well) at the summit of Than Dinh Mountain, symbolizing prayers for peace and prosperity.
• Cultural activities: The festival also features art programs, socio-economic achievement exhibitions, and folk activities such as releasing flower lanterns on the Nhat Le River.

Visitors coming to Kim Phong Pagoda festival can not only experience the spiritual space but also have the opportunity to explore the majestic beauty of Than Dinh Mountain and nearby historical sites like Quan Hau ferry terminal. This is an ideal destination for those who love culture, history, and nature.

The recognition of the three above festivals as National Intangible Cultural Heritage is not only a source of pride for the people of Quang Tri but also contributes to:

• Preserving cultural values: Preserving and promoting traditional values, especially in the context of modernization.
• Boosting tourism: These festivals attract domestic and international tourists, contributing to promoting the image of Quang Binh - Quang Tri as an attractive cultural and natural destination.
• Fostering community bonds: Festival activities create opportunities for local people to interact, share, and pass down cultural heritage to the younger generation.

The three festivals of Tuong Son Village Khai Ha, Gianh River Boat Racing, and Kim Phong Pagoda - Than Dinh Mountain are not only unique cultural events but also bridges between the past and present, human and nature. Being recognized as National Intangible Cultural Heritage is a testament to the unique value of these festivals, while opening up opportunities for Quang Binh (formerly) - Quang Tri to become an attractive destination on Vietnam's tourism map.