People celebrate the 220th anniversary of the Ngoc Hoi-Dong Da Victory at Dong Da Park in Hanoi.

The victory, which occurred in early 1789, was one of the nation’s most remarkable and remembered historical moments. It remains a symbol of the Vietnamese people’s enduring patriotism and solidarity against invaders, said Chairman of the Ha Noi People’s Committee Nguyen The Thao in his speech at the celebration.

Thao said the Ngoc Hoi-Dong Da Victory highlighted the masterful military strategies – speed and surprise – of the Tay Son insurgent army under the leadership of the brilliant commander and politician, Quang Trung-Nguyen Hue city, who “has become eternal and now lives on forever in people’s hearts and spirits.”

“The Spring of 1789 is one of the most beautiful and memorable in the country’s history. This victory is a great motivation for every Vietnamese to study, work, create, or contribute to constructing Ha Noi to make it worthy forever as the country’s heart - a city for peace,” he emphasised.

Nearly 800 artists, actors and athletes took part in the festival, which opened with a solemn incense offering ceremony at the Boc and Dong Quang pagodas, the two important vestiges of the Dong Da Mound complex that were registered in the nation’s history along with the Ngoc Hoi-Dong Da Victory.

The festival continued with another incense offering ceremony being held at the Quang Trung monument at Dong Da Park.

The highlight of the festival was the su thi (epic poem) show called Canh Dao Bao Tiep (The Peach Blossom Announcing the Good News of Victory) directed by Nguyen Khac Phuc. The show had martial arts performances, dances and songs to re-enact the resounding victory and to portray the image of Quang Trung and the Tay Son army.

Of the artists taking part in the show, 600 are from Ha Noi’s artistic troupes including the cheo (classical drama) theatre, the cai luong (reformed theatre) theatre, Viet Nam Circus Federation and the Thang Long Puppetry Theatre. Nearly 200 athletes performed the Binh Dinh martial arts and played the role of the city residents welcoming the return of the victorious army.

The festival was organised by the Ha Noi Culture, Sports and Tourism Department in co-ordination with Dong Da District.

The festival ran until 5pm, with a wide range of folk games, circus, dragon dances, gong dances, games of human chess and martial art shows. The landmark victory is usually celebrated on the fifth day of the Lunar New Year.

In Quang Trung’s home village in Binh Dinh Province’s Tay Son District, a ceremony was also held to celebrate the victory.

VietNamNet/VOV