Thousands of people and tourists from all over the country attended the opening ceremony of the Van Temple - Cua Rao Festival.

Attending the opening ceremony were leaders of the Department of Culture and Sports, the Provincial Ethnic Committee, Tuong Duong district, local people and tourists from near and far.

Van - Cua Rao Temple is located at the Cua Rao junction, the confluence of the Nam Non and Nam Mo rivers, in Xa Luong commune (Tuong Duong). The festival is held at the beginning of the year to commemorate the merits of Doan Nhu Hai - a Tran Dynasty general who fought against the Ai Lao invaders and kept the border peaceful. In a fierce battle near the river junction in 1335, he and many soldiers bravely commanded, fought and heroically sacrificed themselves.

Art performance to celebrate the opening of the festival.

To commemorate the merits of General Doan Nhu Hai and the Tran Dynasty soldiers, the people built a temple in Cua Rao area to take care of the incense and send their spiritual messages. Later, Van - Cua Rao Temple also worshiped Tam Toa Thanh Mau, which was recognized by the Provincial People's Committee as a Historical - Cultural Relic in 2009.

Mr. Nguyen Van Hai - Secretary of Tuong Duong District Party Committee beat the drum to open the festival.

This year's Van - Cua Rao Temple Festival took place solemnly and sacredly with the opening ceremony, proclamation, procession, great sacrifice and thanksgiving ceremony. The festival took place vibrantly with cultural and artistic exchange activities, sports, and folk games imbued with regional cultural identity (stick pushing, gong fighting, crossbow shooting, con throwing...). Visitors to the festival can also visit traditional houses of ethnic groups and enjoy many highland specialties.

The procession of the spirit tablets of General Doan Nhu Hai, the Three Holy Mothers and the gods worshiped at Van Temple - Cua Rao.

The festival is an opportunity for people and tourists from all over to express their spiritual wishes at the beginning of the year and to have fun, experience cultural and sports activities, and prepare mentally for a new working year.

The Great Ceremony to Pray for National Peace and Prosperity - one of the main activities at the festival.