Opened onSeptember 14, the ten-day festival featured a broad range of traditionalspiritual rituals and cultural and sporting activities to commemoratethe 713rd anniversary of the passing of National Hero Tran Hung Dao(1228-1300), who made great contributions to the fights againstYuan-Mongol invaders from the north in the 13th century.
Theactivities included incense offering ceremony, military festival andlanterns night on Luc Dau River, a festival to pray for peace, and theseal opening ceremony at Kiep Bac temple.Traditional games such aswrestling, boat race, and a rice cooking contest were also held duringthe festival.
Covering an area of more than 8ha in Chi Linhtown, the Con Son – Kiep Bac historical site is closely associated withthe lives and careers of Tran Hung Dao and Nguyen Trai (1380-1442), whowas recognised as a Great Man of Culture of the World by UNESCO in 1980.
The area witnessed important battles between the Tran dysnaty army and the Yuan-Mongol invaders.
Con Son – Kiep Bac was recognised as a national heritage site in 1962 and a special national heritage site in 2012.
The Con Son – Kiep Bac spring and autumn festivals were recognised as national intangible cultural heritage in 2012.-VNA