Unlike other festivals that are noisy and bustling, full of splendid flags and flowers, the Quang Tri Ancient Citadel Night Lantern Festival takes place in a solemn and quiet atmosphere.
When it comes to cultural and historical tourism, Quang Tri is always on the list of first mentioned destinations. For those who love cultural and historical things, they do not hesitate to take their own backpacking tours in Quang Tri, to have the opportunity to learn more about this land of sunshine and wind, full of ups and downs along with the history of this country.
An important part of that journey is certainly the opportunity to visit Quang Tri ancient citadel or, luckily, the Citadel Lantern Night Festival to immerse yourself in the special atmosphere that is difficult to describe in words.
The Citadel Night Lantern Festival is a meaningful festival, always associated with the Quang Tri Citadel relic - a very popular destination in all Quang Tri tours. The festival is held every 5 years to commemorate the Vietnamese people who died for the Fatherland. The Citadel Night Lantern Festival is also an opportunity for people and tourists to come back and honor the feats of arms during the 81 historic days and nights of the fiery summer of 1972.
The festival begins with rituals, a memorial service at the Citadel Monument, an opportunity for future generations to bow respectfully before the fallen generations.
Next was the flower lantern release ceremony on the Thach Han River with many flower lanterns creating a beautiful, emotional image. When the moment of releasing the flower lanterns was marked by the sound of a quiet bell, each group of people holding flower lanterns put candles on the water surface. The highlight was the female students wearing Ao Dai, in the shimmering space of lanterns hung on the roads leading to the flower release dock.
Next is the incense offering ceremony at the altar and finally the prayer ceremony for the deceased souls.
Right after the ceremony is the festival with many special activities, the highlight is the discussion with the veterans of the ancient citadel to listen to the painful but heroic feats during the 81 days and nights in the summer of 1972. And many other unique sports, cultural activities...
The festival is a highlight of Quang Tri cultural tourism. Many tourists come here to explore the ancient citadel architecture and to burn incense to pay tribute to those who have fallen.
Quang Tri Citadel
Vietnam's special national monument is located in the center of Quang Tri town, Quang Tri province. Quang Tri Citadel is a military citadel and the headquarters of the Nguyen Dynasty in Quang Tri. This was also the center of Quang Tri province during the French colonial period and the Southern government. In particular, during the 1972 general offensive and uprising, the citadel became known to the world through the fierce 81-day and night battle to defend the citadel.
