In the joyful atmosphere of the early days of the Year of the Fire Horse (Binh Ngo), Hai Phong city is actively completing all preparations to welcome tourists from all over to the Con Son - Kiep Bac Spring Festival 2026. This is not only a meaningful spiritual activity but also an occasion to honor and promote the global outstanding values of the Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem - Con Son, Kiep Bac World Heritage site.
The traditional Spring Con Son – Kiep Bac Festival (Source: collected information)
The Heroic Spirit of the World Heritage Region: The Con Son - Kiep Bac Spring Festival 2026 carries a special significance, marking the 692nd anniversary of the passing of the Third Patriarch of Truc Lam, Huyen Quang Ton gia (1334 - 2026). This year's festival is organized on a large scale, associated with the pride of the inter-provincial heritage dossier of Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem - Con Son, Kiep Bac being officially inscribed on the World Heritage List.
In this achievement, Hai Phong proudly contributes 05 important component relic sites. The festival serves as a golden opportunity for the city to introduce international friends to a land of extraordinary people, where national cultural essence and the enduring spirit of the Truc Lam Zen Buddhism converge.
A Unique Festival Space Imbued with Traditional Identity: According to the Organizing Committee's plan, the festival will feature a rich series of activities, intertwining solemn ceremonies and exciting festivities:
- Ceremonial Part: Includes traditional rituals such as the Procession of Chung cake and Giay cake; Incense offering ceremony; Rituals on Ngu Nhac Mountain; and especially the Commemoration Ceremony for the death anniversary of the Third Patriarch Huyen Quang. These rituals are conducted solemnly, recreating the spiritual cultural beauties from the Tran – Le dynasties.
- Festivity Part: Visitors will immerse themselves in a vibrant folk cultural space with traditional wrestling tournaments, a clay firecracker festival, contests for wrapping Chung cake and pounding Giay cake, and folk games characteristic of the Northern Delta region.
The traditional Spring Con Son – Kiep Bac Festival (Source: collected information)
Thorough and Professional Preparation: To ensure a safe, civilized festival season that leaves a good impression on visitors, Hai Phong city established a specialized Organizing Committee under Decision No. 336/QD-UBND. Preparations are being deployed synchronously:
- Security and Traffic: The City Police and functional forces have developed traffic diversion plans, ensuring security and order, and preventing superstitious activities and the commercialization of the festival.
- Environmental Sanitation and Landscape: Relic sites are being refurbished, and additional signage and guidance systems for tourists have been provided. Food safety and hygiene in service areas are strictly controlled.
- Promotion and Reception: The Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism is coordinating with media agencies to promote the event through publications, promotional clips, and a professional press contact department to provide the timeliest information to visitors.
The Con Son - Kiep Bac Spring Festival 2026 is not just a journey back to the roots, but also a journey to discover the architectural beauty and majestic nature of the heritage land. Hai Phong City respectfully invites people from across the country, overseas Vietnamese, and international tourists to come to Con Son - Kiep Bac to light a stick of incense, pray for a peaceful new year, and enjoy the unique cultural values of the nation.