The festival reenacts the traditional training practices of naval forces associated with General Vi Duc Thang, one of the eighteen heroes who built and defended the land in Hau Le (Later Le) dynasty.

The finales of men and women’s boat racing events take place on the ceremony opening day.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Vice Chairman of Son Dong communal people’s committee Chu Van Binh, Head of the Organising Board stressed, “An Chau boat racing festival is a long-standing traditional festival held annually on the 10th day of lunar April”.

The vast festival space consists of the relic complex of Bich Tri communal house (now Che communal house), Duc Ong temple and An Chau poetric river, the upstream of Luc Nam river.

Over 600 years, the great reputation of General Vi Duc Thang has been deeply rooted in the memory of An Chau people.

An Chau boat racing festival has been preserved and spreaded by generations as a symbol of solidarity spirit, patriotism and the tradition of gratitude embodied in the saying “when drinking water, remember its source.”

The finale of men’s boat racing event within An Chau boat racing festival.

In line with its profound spiritual and cultural values, the festival also reenacts the traditional training of naval forces and river-crossing skills to fight against foreign invaders practiced by the ancestors of this mountainous region in the past.

Secretary of Son Dong communal Party Committee Tong Thi Huong Giang awards championships for men’s boat racing event.

The boats riding waves are not merely part of a sporting competition, but also a vivid expression of the heroic spirit, determination, strength and aspiration to rise of Son Dong people.

Remarkably, An Chau boat racing festival was recognised as a national intangible cultural heritage by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on 10 December 2024.

The crossbow shooting competition within An Chau boat racing festival.

It is the honour and pride of the party, government and people of Son Dong commune while placing upon future generations the responsibility to preserve and promote the values of their homeland’s traditional cultural heritage.

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