The first Peace Festival was held in Quang Tri.

On the morning of May 31st, in Hanoi, the People's Committee of Quang Tri province held an international press conference to provide information about the 2024 Peace Festival with the theme "Joining hands to build a peaceful world ".

The 2024 Peace Festival will be inaugurated at the Hien Luong - Ben Hai National Special Monument.

This event, held for the first time in Quang Tri and Vietnam, aims to honor the value of peace, pay tribute to heroic martyrs, commemorate war victims; contribute to enhancing the status and image of Vietnam and its people; and build Quang Tri into a cultural space for peace, a destination for peace, and a meeting place for peace-loving friends from all over the world.

At the press conference, Mr. Vu Van Hung, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Quang Tri Provincial People's Committee, stated that the festival, held in Quang Tri, a land once ravaged by war, will convey a message about the indomitable spirit of the peace-loving Vietnamese people. From there, it calls on humanity to join hands in building sustainable peace in the world.

Mr. Ha Kim Ngoc, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, affirmed that the festival has five important meanings. Firstly, it honors international values ​​and encourages joint efforts to build peace. Secondly, it conveys the message that Vietnam cherishes peace and desires to build and preserve it. Thirdly, it promotes the vibrant cultural colors of Quang Tri province.

Fourth, to absorb the civilization and culture of humanity, promote cultural cooperation… thereby promoting Quang Tri's culture. Fifth, to create an important cultural space, becoming a destination that attracts domestic and international tourists, contributing to the socio-economic development of the province.

The first Peace Festival was held to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the signing of the Geneva Accords on the cessation of hostilities and restoration of peace in Indochina (July 20, 1954 - July 20, 2024), the 77th anniversary of War Invalids and Martyrs Day (July 27, 1947 - July 27, 2024), and to look forward to the 50th anniversary of the complete liberation of the South and national reunification (April 30, 1975 - April 30, 2025); it is a national and international-scale cultural, sports, and tourism event and activity in the 2024-2025 period.

The festival will be inaugurated on the evening of July 6th at the Hien Luong - Ben Hai National Special Monument, along with a series of meaningful activities, aiming to create emotional highlights that "bring the world of peace to Quang Tri" - a land that has become a symbol of the aspiration for peace, healing, and rebirth.

The event will include several notable activities such as: the Cycling for Peace Day (June 29-30) with approximately 1,000 athletes from cycling clubs in provinces and cities nationwide; the Quang Tri Provincial Cycling Club and cycling clubs from several localities in Laos, Cambodia and Thailand.

Along with activities of gratitude and remembrance, the festival is designed with many cultural and artistic activities, music, entertainment, sports, and culinary events organized in various spaces.

The opening ceremony of the Festival for Peace, themed "Connecting Bridges," took place on the evening of July 6th at the Hien Luong - Ben Hai National Special Historical Site, featuring a special artistic program and a fireworks display.

The "Flavors of the Sunny Land" cultural and culinary festival will be held from July 12-14 at Cua Viet Beach Tourist Area, Gio Linh District, Quang Tri Province. The festival will feature 100 food stalls offering typical dishes and drinks from various regions; culinary demonstrations; international kite flying on the beach; and many other experiential activities such as cooking classes, kite-making workshops, competitions, and games.

The "Peace Wishes" program on the evening of July 26th in Quang Tri town, Quang Tri province, included a memorial service (Quang Tri Ancient Citadel); a grand memorial service (Liberation Square), and a lantern festival (South bank of the Thach Han River)...

Previously, the international music exchange program "Melodies of Peace" was held on the evening of July 20th at the Quang Tri Provincial Cultural and Film Center, Dong Ha City, Quang Tri Province. In addition, the Trinh Cong Son music night "Songs of Peace" was held on the evening of July 13th at Fidel Park, Dong Ha City, Quang Tri Province.

Source: https://www.baogiaothong.vn/le-hoi-vi-hoa-binh-lan-dau-duoc-to-chuc-o-quang-tri-192240531114238091.htm