Unique cultural feature called Trang An Festival

The traditional water procession is an important procedure at the Trang An Festival. (Photo: Duc Phuong)

On April 13, at Trang An Eco- tourism Area (Hoa Lu city), Ninh Binh province coordinated with Xuan Truong Construction Enterprise to organize the Trang An Festival 2025 with the theme "Trang An - A thousand-year heritage, the sacred soul of mountains and rivers".

Trang An Festival, also known as the Forest Opening Ceremony, is held annually and is a unique cultural feature associated with the outstanding global values ​​of the World Heritage Site of Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex.

Attending the opening ceremony were representatives of central departments, leaders of Ninh Binh province, and thousands of people and tourists from all over the country. The festival aims to commemorate and pay tribute to Saint Quy Minh Dai Vuong - one of the gods worshiped in folk beliefs. According to legend, he was one of three brothers - three canonized generals including Tan Vien, Cao Son and Quy Minh, who had the merit of defending Nam Son pass, belonging to Hoa Lu Tu Tran, protecting the country during the time of the 18th Hung King.

The festival is held to continue to honor the historical depth and eternal value of Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, to arouse the revolutionary tradition, national pride of many generations of people, and the cultural, historical and religious values ​​bearing the unique identity of an ancient capital in the heart of Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex Heritage.

This is an opportunity for local people and tourists to offer prayers for national peace, favorable weather, and bountiful harvests, while also honoring the ancestors who have contributed to the discovery and protection of the sacred land of Trang An Heritage.

Trang An Festival, also known as the Forest Opening Ceremony (Phat Lat), is held annually and is a unique cultural feature associated with the outstanding global values ​​of the World Heritage Site of Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex; conveying the mindset of living in harmony and respecting nature of our ancestors.

According to folk belief, in winter, trees are barren, forests and mountains need to be “closed” to protect all species and restore the ecosystem. When spring comes, trees sprout and the forest is “opened” for people to continue to live and work together.

This is the message about forest protection, ecosystem preservation and sustainable development - which is especially important for a World Cultural and Natural Heritage like Trang An.

Attending the festival, people and tourists from all over the world join the dragon procession from the Tam Quan gate area - the center of Hoa Lu city to the Trang An boat station area, then follow the water reflecting the majestic mountains to Suoi Tien Temple to perform the rituals of offering incense, flowers, and offerings to the altar of Duc Thanh Quy Minh Dai Vuong.

According to the representative of the organizing committee, Trang An Festival is organized more elaborately and systematically each year to convey the idea of ​​living in harmony and respecting nature. The festival also has a profound spiritual meaning, expressing respect to gods and ancestors. This is an opportunity for local people and tourists to offer prayers for national peace, favorable weather, bountiful crops, and at the same time honor the ancestors who have contributed to the discovery and protection of the sacred land of Trang An Heritage.

In particular, the Trang An Festival plays an important role in promoting the image of the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex to domestic and foreign tourists. This is a unique event, helping Ninh Binh tourism develop in a sustainable direction, linking conservation and responsible exploitation of heritage.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/net-van-hoa-dac-sac-mang-ten-le-hoi-trang-an-311008.html