Speaking at the opening ceremony, Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan appreciated Quang Tri Province's initiative in organising the festival.
The festival is the first of its kind to be held in Quang Tri Province and the country in general, with the aim to honour the value of peace and convey the message of peace of the people of Quang Tri, the Vietnamese people, and peace-loving peoples around the world. Quang Tri province is completing preparations for the festival, she noted.
Vietnam is a country that has suffered severe consequences from fierce wars with much pain and loss, so it has a deeper understanding of the value of peace and is determined to protect it. Quang Tri is a typical miniature image of Vietnam because the province experienced the severity of war and endured many sacrifices and losses, so peace is always a burning desire.
The festival is taking place in July, which is also the month in which tribute is paid to heroes and martyrs. The festival will be held every two years throughout the province, with main venues including the Hien Luong-Ben Hai special national historical site, Dong Ha City, Cua Tung, Cua Viet, Quang Tri Ancient Citadel, the Truong Son National Martyr Cemetery, and Road 9 Martyr Cemetery.
The programme's framework script includes an opening ceremony with the theme "Connecting the rhythms of time" held on the banks of the special national relic complex Hien Luong - Ben Hai on the evening of July 6, and a music exchange programme with the message "Melodies of Peace" (cooperating with the family of late musician Trinh Cong Son to organise Trinh Cong Son's music night) in Dong Ha City on the night of July 8.
The festival programme “Culinary culture” at Cua Viet Service-Tourism Area from July 12 to 14. The “Wish for Peace” programme at the Special National Monument of Quang Tri Ancient Citadel and related locations on the night of July 26 features a message of remembrance and gratitude.
Along with these “key” programmes, before the opening and in between the main events, there will be many other attractive and meaningful programmes. The unique feature of this festival is that there is no closing ceremony because peace is always the eternal wish and aspiration of humanity.
