Before the opening ceremony, the delegates and people offered incenses and laid wreath in tribute to Emperor Quang Trung (also known as national hero Nguyen Hue), who led the victorious battle.

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Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (2nd from L) offering incense to Emperor Quang Trung at the festival
Nguyen Song Hao, Chairman of the People’s Committee of Dong Da district, recalled that on this day 228 years ago, Tay Son troops led by Nguyen Hue launched a surprise attack and defeated 290,000 Qing invaders right at the park, liberating the Thang Long imperial city.

Since then, the fifth day of the lunar first month has become the traditional day marking the historic victory, he said.

The Ngoc Hoi – Dong Da victory has also gone down in the Vietnamese history as an immortal and epic struggle for national construction and defense, Hao added.

Dong Da Mound reportedly witnessed fierce battles between Emperor Quang Trung’s troops and the Chinese invaders 228 years ago.

The festival is designed to uphold the country’s cultural values, while educating young generations about the tradition of patriotism and national pride.

The festival also included a procession, and dragon dancing, art performances, and traditional games.

Source: VNA