The Kien Giang River "rises in waves" to celebrate Independence Day.

On September 2nd, on the Kien Giang River in Le Thuy district ( Quang Binh province ), the hometown of General Vo Nguyen Giap, a traditional boat racing and swimming festival was held to celebrate Independence Day. This is an annual cultural and sporting event aimed at fostering national unity.

The festival has long been a traditional and cultural activity of the people of Le Thuy on National Day. Originating from village and district swimming and racing competitions, its purpose was to pray for favorable weather and a bountiful harvest; to showcase the strength of young men and women in preparation for the rainy season and to conquer nature.

From early morning, thousands of people flocked to the center of Le Thuy district to participate in the festival. Throughout Kien Giang town, Le Thuy district, red flags with yellow stars and banners fluttered in the golden sunshine as the people of Le Thuy joyfully celebrated Independence Day.

When the starting gun fired, the Kien Giang River surged, and the teams entered the race with high determination.

This year's traditional boat racing festival on the Kien Giang River features 1,500 athletes divided into 24 men's rowing boats and 9 women's racing boats. The traditional boat racing festival on the Kien Giang River has been recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage.

On the green race course, the teams competed with great enthusiasm, while on the banks, crowds of people lined the entire stretch of the river, spanning dozens of kilometers, cheering them on. The rhythmic drumming of the swimming and racing teams, along with the shouts of the spectators, blended into a single beat, echoing along the river.

With the thrilling and intense races between the male swimmers and female racers, the beautiful images, characteristic of a riverside countryside, in a vibrant and lively atmosphere, have left many positive impressions on people and friends from all over the country.

At the end of the festival, in category A, the Quy Hau team from Lien Thuy commune won first prize in the men's rowing category. In category B, first prize was awarded to the Thach Ban team from An Thuy commune. In the women's category, the An Xa team from Loc Thuy commune excellently won first prize.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/xa-hoi/dong-song-kien-giang-day-song-mung-tet-doc-lap-20240902115629584.htm