Viet Nam News
DIEN BIEN CITY — The sixth Ban Flower Festival will end today in Dien Bien Phu City.
Speaking at the event, Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam said Dien Bien bears historical significance with its people having made a great contribution to national liberation and defence as well as playing a role in enhancing the friendship of Viet Nam with neighbouring countries.
The northwestern region of Viet Nam is also well-known as the land of ban (Bauhinia) flower, a symbol of purity and vitality, he added.
“Ban flower has been an inspiration for writers and poets as it has been a popular image in literary works, folk songs and dances of local people here including the ethnic people. The spectacular landscape and mountains, the rich culture and proud history along with the pristine beauty of flowers have made Dien Bien a popular destination for local and international tourists. However, more investment in infrastructure is needed to make local tourism a spearhead economy and to reduce poverty and improve locals’ life,” he said.
He also suggested Dien Bien develop community-based tourism and connect its tourism with other localities’ while preserving local culture and protecting the environment.
The festival has been held every March since 2014. The event is not just to introduce and promote the beauty of ban flower and local tourism but also to honour the heritage and culture of Dien Bien, according to Chairman of Dien Bien Province’s People’s Committee Mua A Son.
The five-day festival featured a range of activities like sports competitions, folk art performance, tourism fairs and a pageant contest.
The festival this year also celebrated the 65th anniversary of the victory of the Dien Bien Phu battle over the French (May 7, 1954) and the 110th birthday of the province.
On March 13, 1954, Vietnamese soldiers began a campaign against the heavily entrenched French army position at Dien Bien Phu. After 56 days of arduous battles, Viet Nam won the fight, ending the campaign on May 7. The victory is considered a landmark in the nation’s struggle against foreign invaders. — VNS