A ceremony is held to commemorate soldiers safeguarding national sovereignty (photo: VOV)

The event is to pay tribute to the fallen soldiers who sacrificed their lives over the centuries safeguarding the Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagoes.

This has been observed over a period of 4 centuries by communities on Ly Son island and many coastal areas in the province. It was recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage by the State in 2013.

After the commemoration on the day, the traditional Tu Linh boat race was held to pray for a year of favorable weather and plentiful catches ahead (photo: VOV)

During the rituals, paper boats with effigies of sailors are launched into the seas and respects are paid to the lost sailors’ symbolic tombs.

According to Vietnam’s feudal state history, the Hoang Sa Flotilla was set up in 17th century when the Nguyen Lords began their reign in the south of the country.

Thousands of sailors braved roaring waves and storms to survey rough seas, plant markers and erect pillars affirming the national sovereignty over the Hoang Sa and Truong Sa. These areas were secured marine resources under the order of the Nguyen Lords. Their missions were full of unforeseen dangers, and sadly many of the sailors never returned to see land again.

Therefore, before the soldiers left for their missions, a feast was held for them, hence the beginning of the tradition.

The festival reflects Vietnam’s history of protecting the national sovereignty in the East Sea, especially over the Hoang Sa and Truong Sa.

After the commemoration on the day, the traditional Tu Linh boat race was held to pray for a year of favorable weather and plentiful catches ahead.