In 1789, under the leadership of Emperor Quang Trung (also known as national hero Nguyen Hue), Tay Son troops defeated 290,000 Qing invaders, liberating the imperial city of Thang Long and regaining national independence and freedom.

Since then, the fifth day of the first lunar month has become the traditional day marking the historic victory. The Ngoc Hoi–Dong Da victory has also gone down in Vietnamese history as an immortal and epic struggle for national construction and defence.

Dong Da Mound reportedly witnessed fierce battles between Emperor Quang Trung’s soldiers and the Chinese invaders 236 years ago.

According to the festival organiser, the celebration will be held on the evening of Febraury 2 for the first time, instead of the morning as previous years. It will be broadcast live on channels of Hanoi Radio and Television, Kinh te & Do Thi newspaper, radio and television of localities nationwide and digital platforms at 8:10 pm.

A highlight of the event is a special artistic programme themed “Dong Da - Su vang luu danh - Tuong lai vung buoc (Dong Da - Golden History - Solid Future) using 3D mapping technology to narrate history in a new and modern way, combined with a variety of forms of expression such as singing, circus, dancing, and drum performance.

There will be various activities during the festival, including an incense offering ceremony, palanquin procession, lion and dragon dance and Binh Dinh Gia martial arts performances, chess competitions and calligraphy./.