Boat racing festival on Kien Giang river

On the morning of September 2, Le Thuy district, Quang Binh province, solemnly opened the traditional boat racing and rowing festival on Kien Giang river, a national intangible cultural heritage. This is the key event to celebrate the 79th anniversary of National Day September 2, attracting the participation of tens of thousands of local people and tourists from all over the world.

This year’s festival saw the participation of 33 male and female swimming and racing boats from villages in Le Thuy district. Of these, there were 24 male swimming boats and 9 female racing boats with more than 1,300 athletes. These boats were divided into two categories: category A and category B. The male swimming boats competed in a distance of 24 km, while the female racing boats competed in a distance of 18 km. The athletes competed with all their might, demonstrating sportsmanship and perseverance, determined to win for their team.

Attending the opening ceremony were Mr. Ho An Phong - Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism , Mr. Tran Thang - Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Chairman of the People's Committee of Quang Binh province, leaders, invited delegates and tens of thousands of people and tourists. The atmosphere on Kien Giang river became more bustling than ever when cheers and encouragement from both banks of the river continuously resounded. On the bridges, spectators crowded together to watch each strong rowing movement of the competing teams. These images not only show the spirit of solidarity but also arouse pride in the cultural traditions of the nation. The traditional boat racing and rowing festival on Kien Giang river has long become a cultural beauty of the people of Le Thuy. This is not only an opportunity for the people of General Vo Nguyen Giap's hometown to honor traditional cultural values but also an opportunity to pray for "favorable weather, good harvests, peace and happiness for the people.

Every year, on September 2nd, Le Thuy people eagerly prepare for the festival, people are excited, everywhere flags and flowers are bright, the festival colors are jubilant. This cultural space imbued with the identity of the river region and rich in martial spirit has become an indispensable part of the lives of the people here. The festival is also an opportunity to honor, preserve and promote various types of national cultural heritage, while promoting national solidarity.

Through exciting and dramatic races, the festival created a joyful atmosphere, encouraging and motivating the cadres and people of Le Thuy district to strive to compete, achieve many achievements, and build their homeland to develop more and more. The results of this year's competition, in the category A rowing boat, the first prize went to the rowing boat of Quy Hau village (Lien Thuy commune), the second prize went to the rowing boat of Tien Thiep village (Xuan Thuy commune), and the third prize went to the rowing boat of Phu Thuy commune.

Meanwhile, the men's rowing boat category B recorded the victory of the rowing boat of Thach Ban village (An Thuy commune), the second prize went to Loc Thuong village (An Thuy commune), and the third prize went to Xuan Bo village (Xuan Thuy commune). In the women's rowing boat category, the first prize was awarded to An Xa village (Loc Thuy commune), the second prize went to Phu Tho village (An Thuy commune), and the third prize went to Xuan Hoi village (Lien Thuy commune). An Xa village (Loc Thuy commune) was also honored to receive the first prize for the whole team, Phu Tho village (An Thuy commune) won the second prize, and Loc An village (An Thuy commune) won the third prize. The traditional boat racing and rowing festival on Kien Giang river in 2024 ended in an exciting and enthusiastic atmosphere of the people and tourists. The beautiful images, dramatic competitions, and endless cheers created a real festival on Kien Giang river, affirming the position of the festival as a unique cultural symbol of Le Thuy land.

Mr. Dang Dai Tinh - Chairman of the People's Committee of Le Thuy district shared with reporters. "The boat racing festival on Kien Giang river is not only a cultural and sports event but also a symbol of solidarity and community spirit of Le Thuy people. Maintaining and promoting this festival not only contributes to preserving national intangible cultural heritage but also plays an important role in building and developing the cultural and spiritual life of the people. Through these activities, we see the strength of community culture, national pride and love for the homeland and country always burning in the hearts of every citizen.