Dong Da Festival

The Dong Da Festival in Binh Dinh is Vietnam’s premier event commemorating the legacy of Emperor Quang Trung and the leaders of the Tay Son Uprising. It specifically honors their remarkable victory over the Thanh Dynasty at Dong Da (Hanoi) in 1789. The festival is officially celebrated on the 5th of January (lunar calendar), with traditional rites commencing a day earlier. Attracting a large number of participants from Binh Dinh and surrounding areas, as well as government officials and international guests, the festival has evolved into a national celebration with significant support from local authorities.
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The festival program consistently features four main events each year. The first segment includes a speech that revisits the history of Tay Son – Binh Dinh and the heroic efforts of Emperor Quang Trung in resisting the Thanh Dynasty during the 18th century. This is followed by martial arts performances showcasing renowned masters of Binh Dinh's traditional fighting styles. The third part of the program highlights the Tay Son battle music, performed by skillful musicians who excel in both martial arts and drumming. The festival culminates with a dramatic reenactment of the battle at Dong Da, featuring meticulously crafted costumes, flags, and props designed to immerse the audience in the atmosphere of this historic confrontation, ensuring a poignant reminder of the nation’s epic past.