The first days of the new lunar year have witnessed scores of spring festivals across the country. The central province of Binh Dinh on Thursday celebrated the 223^rd anniversary of King Quang Trung’s victory over the Qing invaders with a wide range of activities including an incense offering ceremony, gong performances, martial art competitions and singing contests.

Tay Son martial art music

The Keo pagoda festival opened in the northern province of Thai Binh the same day, featuring traditional games such as duck catching, rice cooking and clay firecrackers.The island district of Ly Son in the central province of Quang Ngai is hosting its annual boat racing competition to pay tribute to genies and pray for peace and good crops. Nguyen Van Vu, Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism said: “The race takes place in An Vinh and An Hai villages. Each village has 4 boats representing the Dragon, the Unicorn, the Turtle and the Phoenix. The competition wraps up with a ritual to pray for a new year full of luck, safety and prosperity. There are also traditional games.”