From the banks of Hien Luong-Ben Hai to the Thach Han River
The first destination on the journey begins at the Hien Luong-Ben Hai National Special Monument, which served as a temporary military demarcation line dividing the country for two decades. This historically significant location was chosen as the venue for the opening ceremony of the Festival for Peace, along with many other activities in the series of events.
Instead of constructing a separate stage, the program integrates the entire historical site into the artistic narrative. Hien Luong Bridge, the monument, the exhibition hall, and the Ben Hai River are not merely the setting but also "witnesses" recounting the journey of national reunification through the language of music , light, and modern performance technology.
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| The Hien Luong-Ben Hai National Special Monument is the venue for the opening ceremony and many meaningful activities within the framework of the 2026 Festival for Peace - Photo: LA |
The highlight of the opening night was the "Peace Wish" bell-ringing ceremony. The ringing of the bell along the river that once divided the two parts of the country not only evoked a historical period of the nation but also sent a message of reconciliation, unity, and a yearning for peace to international friends. From a symbol of division, Hien Luong-Ben Hai today has become a meeting place for peace.
While Hien Luong tells the story of the day the country was reunified, the Ancient Citadel and the Thach Han River—places associated with loss and sacrifice—remind us of our gratitude to those who laid down their lives so that the country could have peace. In July, as night falls, the Thach Han River glows brightly with thousands of lanterns silently floating downstream.
Candlelight reflecting on the water creates a solemn commemorative atmosphere. The space is tranquil, as if dedicating this sacred moment to remembering those who rest in peace on this land. The lantern-releasing activity is not only a ritual of gratitude but also contributes to preserving the principle of "drinking water, remembering the source," reminding today's generations of the value of independence, freedom, and peace.
Commemoration, gratitude, and the aspiration for peace.
The tradition of gratitude continues with a candle-lighting ceremony commemorating the 79th anniversary of the Day of War Invalids and Martyrs (July 27, 1947 - July 27, 2026). After the war ended, Quang Tri became the resting place of tens of thousands of heroic martyrs. Therefore, every July, this region becomes a gathering point for journeys of gratitude from all over the country.
On the night of July 26th this year, candlelight vigils were held simultaneously at martyrs' cemeteries and memorials throughout the province, as well as at the flower-releasing dock on the southern bank of the Thach Han River in Quang Tri ward. As tens of thousands of candles were lit, an atmosphere of gratitude spread from the national cemeteries to each locality, creating the most meaningful highlight of the Festival for Peace.
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| Tourists offer incense at the central memorial of Quang Tri Ancient Citadel - Photo: LA |
In Quang Tri, every place tells a story of peace. Contributing to this, the Vinh Moc tunnels take us back to the days when the whole country was fiercely fighting the Americans, back to the "small village" underground—where the vitality and will of the people were greater than ever. Deep underground, dozens of meters below the surface, the people of Vinh Moc built a tunnel system nearly 2km long, complete with living spaces, meeting halls, wells, maternity wards, and more.
More than just a unique military structure, Vinh Moc Tunnels are also a symbol of the yearning for life. Amidst bombing and shelling, 17 babies were born inside the tunnels, a testament to the Vietnamese people's indomitable spirit in overcoming adversity. This is also why Vinh Moc Tunnels have become an indispensable destination on any journey to explore the Festival for Peace.
While historical sites offer a direct perspective on war, the exhibition space showcasing paintings by world-renowned artist Le Ba Dang, a distinguished son of Quang Tri province, opens up a different approach to peace through art.
The exhibition is expected to showcase more than 100 works in various genres such as oil paintings, watercolors, lebadanggraphy, wood sculptures, ceramics, bronze, glass, etc., under three main themes: Humanity and War; Nature and Spirituality; and the Aspiration for Peace. Through the language of painting, memories of war are no longer just pain but are transformed into aspirations for life, harmony, and development.
Vibrant cultural and sporting activities
Beyond simply showcasing the value of historical relics, the 2026 Festival for Peace also brings numerous cultural, sports, and tourism activities to heritage sites, creating opportunities for locals and tourists to participate directly. These include events such as the "Cycling for Peace" at the Hien Luong-Ben Hai National Special Monument and the Quang Tri Ancient Citadel.
International marathon events include: the Phong Nha Wild Trail race in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Phong Nha commune, and the Quang Tri Amazing Marathon in Dong Hoi and Dong Thuan wards. There will also be a hot air balloon festival at the Hien Luong-Ben Hai National Special Monument, a national concert in Dong Hoi ward, and activities commemorating the 100th anniversary of Khe Sanh Coffee in Khe Sanh commune. Through these activities, spaces once associated with war are revitalized with community events, helping to bring heritage closer to the younger generation.
According to Le Minh Tuan, Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Festival for Peace is not only a cultural event but also a strategy to build Quang Tri into a national and international cultural space for peace. Through the festival's activities, the aim is to affirm the meaning and value of peace; honor the spirit of solidarity and friendship; and spread the message of peace to the people of Vietnam and international friends. It also commemorates and pays tribute to the heroic martyrs who sacrificed for the independence and freedom of the Fatherland; thereby contributing to the education of patriotic traditions, arousing national pride and a love for peace, especially among the younger generation.
To promote the potential, advantages, and cultural and tourism values of Quang Tri province; to attract domestic and international tourists, contributing to the socio-economic development of the locality. To build Quang Tri into a cultural space and a destination for peace; to strengthen friendly relations and cooperation between Quang Tri and localities, organizations, and individuals inside and outside the country who share a message of peace and love for peace.
"We aim to transform the relics of war, the painful legacies of the past, into a driving force for development. So that Quang Tri today is no longer a symbol of division, but a meeting place for healing, gratitude, and aspirations towards the future," Mr. Le Minh Tuan emphasized.
Le An
Source: https://baoquangtri.vn/van-hoa/202607/nhung-diem-denvi-hoa-binh-f777d3d/
