Opening ceremony of the 2026 Bauhinia Flower Festival. Photo: VOV

In his address at the event, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said Dien Bien, with the historic Dien Bien Phu victory in 1954, "renowned throughout the world and shaking the earth," has become a heroic epic of the will for independence, the aspiration for freedom and the strength of national unity.

Prime Minister Chinh expressed his hope for a united Dien Bien, so that each blooming season of the Bauhinia flower will beautify the natural landscape of the northwest mountains and forests and enrich the cultural identity and spiritual strength of the ethnic groups here.  

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh speaks at the opening ceremony. Photo: VOV

“The Bauhinia Flower Festival is not just a unique cultural and tourism event of Dien Bien province, but a space for connecting and honoring the rich, unified, and diverse culture of the 54 ethnic groups. The festival is organized with many appealing  activities. It’s is an opportunity for people and tourists to explore the beauty of nature, learn more about the beauty of culture and history, and cultivate love for their homeland and national pride,” PM Chinh said. 

Honoring the cultural identity of ethnic groups and the historical spirit of Dien Bien Phu, the Festival includes an elaborately staged opening ceremony; a large-scale street carnival; a folk music festival; traditional sports competitions such as pushing loaded bicycles, carrying ammunition, and pulling artillery; an exhibition space promoting cultural and tourism products; and an OCOP (One Commune One Product) market.