More than just a cultural and tourism event, the festival also holds symbolic significance as it takes place in a land that once suffered much loss, but is now rising strongly, becoming a meeting point for aspirations of peace and development.
From memory to the future
It is no coincidence that the phrase "From memory to the future" was chosen as the overarching theme of the 2026 Festival for Peace. It is a way of both recalling the past and opening up a vision towards the future, accurately reflecting the journey of Quang Tri .
The flag-raising ceremony at the Hien Luong - Ben Hai historical site took place solemnly, marking the beginning of the 2026 Cycling for Peace Day program.
PHOTO: HUY DAT
Throughout the long history of the nation, Quang Tri has accumulated many special imprints related to peace. Two landmark agreements of the country (the Geneva Accords of 1954 and the Paris Agreement of 1972) are closely linked to this land. It has also witnessed fierce battles, where the line between life and death was often just a hair's breadth away.
Quang Tri currently has 72 martyrs' cemeteries with approximately 60,000 heroic martyrs resting there, including 2 national-level cemeteries and the "common burial ground" at Quang Tri Ancient Citadel, which commemorates the fierce days of fighting.
It is precisely from that past filled with loss that Quang Tri has become a place witnessing profound post-war healing efforts. From the normalization of Vietnam-US relations with numerous diplomatic activities, to programs to search for and repatriate the remains of missing soldiers (MIA), and media campaigns about the dangers of landmines, all have contributed to making Quang Tri a symbol of reconciliation.
Representatives from the Quang Tri Provincial People's Committee, Thanh Nien Newspaper , and other organizations signed the flag for peace.
PHOTO: HUY DAT
The future of Quang Tri is unfolding with a new face as the region merges with Quang Binh, creating more room for development. In this context, the 2026 Peace Festival, held from April to December, features a rich series of activities ranging from culture and sports to arts, opening up a vast space where memory and the present intersect.
There will be a cycling festival for peace; a Trinh Cong Son music night with the theme "Legend of Mother"; and an opening art program in July at the Hien Luong - Ben Hai National Special Historical Site. In addition, there will be follow-up activities such as: a hot air balloon festival in September, a national concert in December in Dong Hoi, and many other supporting events…
Through this series of activities, the festival aims to achieve multiple goals: paying tribute to fallen heroes and martyrs, commemorating war victims, fostering national pride, and contributing to deepening national values and spreading the image of a peace-loving Vietnam. Furthermore, the festival also aims to build Quang Tri into a cultural space for peace, strengthening cooperation and connections with other localities and international organizations…
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Brand identity for the 2026 Festival for Peace
PHOTO: TL
Spreading the message of peace
Another highlight of the 2026 Peace Festival is its symbolic and humanistic visual identity. The central image is a dove, a universal symbol of peace, holding a stalk of rice and carrying three multicolored silk ribbons.
The image of the rice stalk not only evokes Vietnam's long-standing agricultural civilization but also embodies a profound idea: peace is not just the end of conflict, but also the foundation for a prosperous, stable, and sustainable life.
Three silk ribbons in three main colors—red, yellow, and blue—carry multiple layers of meaning. Red and yellow evoke the Vietnamese national flag, symbolizing the sacred spirit of the land. Blue represents peace, life, and rebirth. At the same time, the three ribbons symbolize the three regions of Vietnam, harmoniously blending to lift the dove as it soars, carrying Vietnam's aspiration for peace to the world.
Over 1,000 athletes participated in the parade to spread the message for peace.
PHOTO: BA CUONG
The brand identity also utilizes numerous photographic materials of typical historical sites in Quang Tri, which preserves 647 cultural and historical relics. These are places that mark significant events and demonstrate the indomitable will and aspiration for peace of the people.
Mr. Le Minh Tuan, Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Quang Tri province, affirmed that the visual identity is not only about aesthetic value, but also a powerful tool for conveying messages about peace, dialogue, and social responsibility. "The organizing committee wants to affirm that the Festival for Peace is not just an event of one locality, but a common voice of humanity with the message: peace - connection - revival - sustainable development," Mr. Tuan hoped.
"Adding more prayers…"
The 2nd Cycling for Peace Festival, organized by Thanh Nien Newspaper and the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Quang Tri province, was honored to be the opening event for the 2026 Festival for Peace. The program took place over two days, April 18-19, with many meaningful activities. These included a flag-raising ceremony at Hien Luong - Ben Hai riverbanks, combined with a parade to launch the cycling for peace movement, a visit to the Vinh Linh Martyrs' Cemetery, and gift-giving to families of policy beneficiaries and victims of Agent Orange… on the morning of April 18. On the morning of April 19, a cycling race themed "Joining Hands to Build Peace" took place at Quang Tri Ancient Citadel, attracting approximately 1,000 athletes and cycling enthusiasts.
The moment the bicycle parade passed through the middle of the historic Hien Luong Bridge.
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Notably, the event also included participation from international delegations from China, Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand, contributing to strengthening regional connections. According to journalist Nguyen Ngoc Toan, Editor-in-Chief of Thanh Nien Newspaper , the first Cycling for Peace event held two years ago left a profound impression. The activities of gratitude and the cycling journeys were not just a sporting competition but also a journey connecting memory and the present.
However, according to journalist Nguyen Ngoc Toan, in the context of a world still facing many upheavals, efforts for peace are becoming even more urgent. Because war not only causes loss but also threatens the sustainable development of the globe. Therefore, every small activity carrying a message of peace has great significance.
The cycling parade covered a route of approximately 7 km from the Hien Luong - Ben Hai historical site to the Vinh Linh Martyrs' Cemetery to offer incense.
PHOTO: DUY ANH
"I believe that the efforts of Quang Tri province, Thanh Nien newspaper , and all the athletes, as well as the numerous fans, have contributed to heartfelt prayers for a peaceful world. So that in the clear blue sky there are only doves. So that on the earth there are only lush fields, bustling cities, and people who love each other in kinship," journalist Nguyen Ngoc Toan emphasized.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/khat-vong-hoa-binh-bat-len-tu-vung-dat-thep-185260426194608596.htm
