(VOVWORLD) - The Trang An Festival 2025 took place in Ninh Binh province on Sunday with the theme “A Thousand-Year Heritage, the Sacred Soul of Mountains and Rivers,”. The event honored the rich cultural legacy of Ninh Binh which has long been revered as a natural geological museum and the spiritual heart of ancient Vietnam.
 More than 700 artists perform at Trang An Festival 2025. (Photo: baovanhoa.vn) |
Held in the majestic natural setting of Trang An, where crystal-clear waterways weave through mystical caves and limestone mountains, the festival honored the enduring cultural and spiritual values of the region. At its heart was a tribute to Saint Quy Minh Dai Vuong, one of the legendary generals of the Hung Kings era (7th–2nd century BC), who protected the southern gateway of the ancient capital Hoa Lu. The festival embodies the Vietnamese tradition of "drinking water, remember the source," reflecting deep national gratitude and reverence for the ancestors who safeguarded the nation.
Its highlights included drum and dragon performances, palanquin and water processions, and a series of art performances showcasing the richness of Vietnam’s intangible cultural heritage. 2,700 artists and artisans delivered performances on 20 outdoor stages, showcasing Quan ho folk singing, Vi dam chants, Hue royal court music, Central Highlands gongs, Xam singing, and Cheo theater.
A solemn incense offering ceremony at Suoi Tien temple paid homage to Saint Quy Minh Dai Vuong and expressed the Vietnamese people's enduring gratitude to their predecessors and national heroes. The ceremony was held to pray for peace, favorable weather, prosperity, and happiness, while also inspiring pride and love for the homeland.
Bui Van Manh, Director of the Ninh Binh Department of Tourism, said the festival plays a role in connecting heritage preservation with sustainable tourism development.
Manh said: “The Trang An festival stems from a local tradition, the Forest Opening Festival. Its highlight is water activities, mirroring the natural space of this living heritage. The harmonious arrangement of festival stages creates a memorable experience for domestic and international visitors.”
The festival is a tribute to the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, a UNESCO-recognized World Cultural and Natural Heritage site since 2014. More than a decade later Trang An, a stunning symbol of Vietnam’s natural beauty, is a testament to Vietnam’s dedication to the UNESCO Convention on the protection of cultural and natural heritage.