Quan Lan Festival

Quan Lan Festival is held annually from the 10th to the 20th of the 6th month of the Lunar Calendar in Quan Lan, Van Don, Quang Ninh. This festival commemorates Tran Khanh Du, a renowned general of the Tran dynasty. Quan Lan Festival serves not only as a tribute to Tran Khanh Du for his victorious defeat of the Nguyen Mong army in 1288 but also as a time for the local community to pray for a fruitful harvest. The festival is celebrated by the residents of Quan Lan Island, which is located within the historic Van Don trading center. The event takes place near the Quan Lan Temple, one of the few remaining ancient temples in the area.

Quan Lan Festival - Photo: Wyndhamhalong

The festival begins on the 10th with an engaging custom known as the Village Lock. During this time, local inhabitants must remain within the village, while visitors from across the province and the country are welcomed to join in the festivities. Various competitions take place, with boat racing being the highlight. The strongest men of the village form two teams named Dong Nam Van and Doai Bac Vo, who set up their tents on the 13th to practice and prepare their boats. The boats used in the competition typically weigh between 5 and 6 tons and have broad, deep hulls, adorned to resemble giant dragons gliding across the water.

On the 16th, participants pay homage to Tran Khanh Du by transporting his tablet from the harbor to the temple. At the wharf, the two racing teams intensively practice for the upcoming competition scheduled for the 18th. On that day, the race begins when the tide rises to the level of the temple's harbor platform. The atmosphere is charged with the sounds of drums, cheers from the crowd, and fluttering flags. The leaders of each team perform impressive martial arts displays, followed by mutual greetings that honor the three victories of their ancestors over the Nguyen Mong army. Only after paying tribute to the general do they commence the competition.

Although the Quan Lan Festival reflects the charm of a traditional village celebration, it has grown significantly in scale in recent years. This evolution showcases the brave and resilient spirit of the people of Quan Lan, who remain committed to defending their country’s independence and peace.