Thousands of people in Ha Noi flocked to a festival celebrating the 226th anniversary of the Ngoc Hoi-Dong Da Victory (1789-2015) on February 23 - the fifth day of the Lunar New Year.
The festival saw the presence of Chairman of the National Assembly Nguyen Sinh Hung, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Secretary of the Ha Noi Municipal Party Committee Pham Quang Nghi, officials from ministries, central agencies, Ha Noi’s leaders, local residents and many visitors.
At the opening ceremony, the victory was reviewed to pay tribute to hero Nguyen Hue and inspire people’s pride about the victory.
The festival was organised with ceremonial rituals, and a festive drum performance reproducing the image of Emperor Quang Trung in the attack to help visitors and people understand the nation’s fight against foreign invaders.
The one-day festival also included a Fire Dragon Dance Parade, martial arts performances, human chess and Chinese Xiangqi chess.
In the early spring of 1789, Nguyen Hue, who was later proclaimed Emperor Quang Trung, led his troops from the Hue imperial palace to Thang Long (now Ha Noi), which was occupied by the Chinese Qing army. He launched a surprise attack and defeated about 29,000 Qing soldiers during a battle on the fifth day of the Lunar New Year, librating the nation from Qing invasion.
Every fifth day of the Lunar New Year has become a sacred celebratory day for Hanoians.