The 20th Thanh Tuyen Festival is set to dazzle visitors as one of Vietnam's largest Mid-Autumn celebrations. Known for its vibrant, giant lantern displays, the festival turns Tuyen Quang into a colorful spectacle from late August to mid-September. Featuring over 60 lantern models, diverse performances, traditional games, and culinary delights, it showcases the rich cultural heritage of Tuyen Quang and is a must-visit for travellers.

The festival - The pride of the people of Tuyen Quang

The 2024 festival, themed "Cultural Preservation and Community Pride", will take place from August 31 to September 15, 2024, during the Mid-Autumn Festival. This event celebrates Tuyen Quang's rich cultural heritage with traditional music, dance performances, and a grand lantern parade. Visitors can enjoy various cultural exchanges, exhibitions, and sports competitions, making it a vibrant celebration of Vietnamese culture.

To ensure a positive experience for festival-goers, the Tuyen Quang City People's Committee has implemented a new code of conduct promoting a "civilized, friendly, and clean" environment. This code, available in both Vietnamese and English, includes general guidelines and 10 key messages aimed at enhancing the city's image and ensuring a welcoming atmosphere for all visitors.

Marking its 20th year, the festival has become one of the most distinctive Mid-Autumn celebrations in Vietnam. It has set three Guinness Vietnam records, including the largest lantern parade, the largest Mid-Autumn feast, and the biggest military lanterns. The festival continues to grow in popularity, drawing visitors from across the country and internationally.

Art performance at the festival

Activities of the festival

The festival is packed with a wide range of activities that cater to all age groups and interests. From cultural performances to traditional games, there is something for everyone at this vibrant festival. 

Quintessence Converges and Shines program

One of the most anticipated events of the festival is the Quintessence Converges and Shines program, which will take place on the night of September 13. This program features performances of Vietnam's intangible cultural heritage that UNESCO has recognized, including traditional art forms such as Đờn ca tài tử (Southern folk music), Bài chòi (Central Vietnamese folk music), Nhã nhạc cung đình Huế (Royal court music of Hue), and Quan họ Bắc Ninh (Bac Ninh folk songs). 

The program also highlights performances of traditional music and dance from other countries, creating a vibrant cultural exchange. This year, the festival is expected to welcome artists from South Korea and Japan, further enhancing the international dimension of the event. Additionally, the program will feature performances by some of Vietnam's most famous singers, making it a must-see event for music lovers.

Southern folk music performance program at the festival

Sparkling colors of Thanh Tuyen Festival Night

Another highlight of the festival is the Sparkling Colors of the Thanh Tuyen Festival Night program, which will take place on the night of September 14 at Nguyen Tat Thanh Square, Tuyen Quang City. This festival will be broadcast live on the national television station VTV1, bringing the magic of the festival to viewers across the country. 

The program features a parade of over 60 giant lanterns, each representing different cultural and historical themes. These lanterns, selected from competitions in the city and surrounding districts, are illuminated at night, creating a stunning visual spectacle. Accompanied by performances by Vietnamese artists and children dressed in traditional costumes, the parade adds a magical atmosphere that is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who attend.

Giant lanterns are displayed during the festival

Other programs

The festival offers a diverse array of activities beyond the main events, including cultural, sports, and tourism experiences. Visitors can enjoy the Cultural and Sports Festival of Ethnic Vietnam Groups, which highlights Tuyen Quang's rich cultural diversity through traditional music, dance performances, and sports competitions. This event serves as a vibrant celebration of the region's ethnic heritage.

Additional attractions at the festival include the Cinema with Tuyen Land program, showcasing top Vietnamese films, and the Tuyen Quang Trade and Tourism Fair, where local businesses present their products and services. These activities add to the festival's appeal, providing a comprehensive cultural and artistic experience for attendees.

The event features performances of traditional music and dance in the festival

The Thanh Tuyen Festival 2024 promises to be an unforgettable event that offers a unique cultural experience for visitors. With its vibrant lantern displays, artistic performances, and wide range of activities, the festival is a celebration of the rich cultural heritage of Tuyen Quang and Vietnam as a whole. Let’s Vietnam tour to experience this unique festival now.