The festival’s opening ceremony was attended by Vice President Nguyen Thi Doan, former President of the Vietnamese Fatherland Front Pham The Duyet, provincial leaders and scores of tourists from Hai Duong and neighbouring provinces.
In his address, Vice Chairman of the Hai Duong People’s Committee Nguyen Van Que recalled the brilliant military career of Tran Hung Dao, who led the Tran army to victory over the Mongols.
After repelling the third Mongol invasion, he retired at his personal estate in Van Kiep (present-day Chi Linh town in Hai Duong province) and died in 1300 at age 70.
Following his passing, the Kiep Bac temple was built in dedication of the distinguished military strategist.
The Kiep Bac temple is part of the Con Son - Kiep Bac cultural and historical complex, which was listed as a National Historic Site in 1962.
The festival, recognised as National Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2013, is held biannually in the spring and autumn.
In addition to the formal rituals, the festival features a wide range of activities including a boat parade on the Luc Dau River to re-enact the battle between the Tran army against the Mongols.
