The monument to the Victory of the Dien Bien Phu Campaign is an attraction in Dien Bien province. (Photo: VNA) Dien Bien (VNA) – The Ban Flower Festival, a highlight of theNational Tourism Year 2024, is set to open in the northern mountainousprovince of Dien Bien on March 16.
Spanning from March 13 to 18, the festival boasts a diverselineup of activities, including an incense offering ceremony at the Dien BienPhu martyrs' memorial temple, the launch of the National Tourism Year 2024featuring a music extravaganza and a high-altitude fireworks display, a photocontest showcasing the resplendent Ban flower landscape, a show of traditionalcostumes of ethnic groups, an ethnic sports competition, an exhibitionfeaturing cultural and tourism products, and activities to connect tours andtravel routes.
Festival-goers canexpect to immerse themselves in the rich cultural tapestry of the northwestern mountainous region, with offerings such as a market space spotlighting distinctive localagricultural products, a competition featuring traditional folk gameslike seesawing, con throwing, stilt walking, blindfolded tag, and sack racing. Additionally, traditional folk songs, dances and music, including theunique art forms of Then and Xoe performed by ethnic groups like the Thai, Tay,Mong, Ha Nhi, Kho Mu, Xi La, Lao, and Xa Phang, will be performed.
Held for the first time in 2014, the annual eventholds significance beyond celebrating the Ban flower, serving as a celeration of the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory,the 115th founding anniversary of Dien Bien province, and the 75th anniversary of the provincial Party Organisation.
The festival alsostands as a testament to the symbolic importance of Ban flower that representsthe identity of land and people ofthe northwest region and Dien Bien in particular, as well as contributing to popularising Dien Bien's tourism brand in theforeseeable future./.
