QUẢNG TRỊ — The Festival for Peace 2026 opened at the Hiền Lương-Bến Hải special national relic site in the central province of Quảng Trị under the theme From Memory to the Future – Quảng Trị for Peace on July 4.

Opening the festival, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyễn Văn Thắng stressed that for the Vietnamese people, peace is not only an aspiration but also a sacred value earned through the immense sacrifices of previous generations.

Standing on the historic land of Quảng Trị, alongside the Bến Hải River, the Quảng Trị Ancient Citadel and the national martyrs’ cemeteries, people are reminded of the true value of peace and the sacrifices made for national independence, freedom and reunification, he said.

Against a backdrop of persistent conflicts, instability and challenges on the globe, the message of “Quảng Trị for Peace” carries profound contemporary significance, the Deputy PM noted.

He reaffirmed Việt Nam’s consistent foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, cooperation and development, stressing that the country remains a trusted friend, reliable partner and responsible member of the international community, committed to promoting dialogue, strengthening cooperation, upholding international law and working with other nations to build a world of peace, stability and sustainable development.

He praised Quảng Trị’s initiative to develop the Festival for Peace into a national cultural event with a long-term goal of expanding its international influence.

Once a land deeply scarred by war, Quảng Trị is now emerging as a symbol of peace, friendship and aspirations for development, reflecting not only the province’s transformation but also Vietnam’s commitment to leaving the past behind and working with the world towards a better future.

 

According to the Deputy PM, the ceremonial ringing of the Bell of Peace Wishes across the banks of the Hiền Lương-Bến Hải River marks more than the opening of a festival. It also inspires people to uphold peace through dialogue, cooperation, mutual respect and compassion.

Chairman of the provincial People's Committee Lê Hồng Vinh said Quảng Trị, owing to its strategic location, preserves many of the nation's most poignant memories of wartime. Once the dividing line between North Việt Nam and South Việt Nam, the province witnessed immense hardship and sacrifice.

Historic sites such as the Quảng Trị Ancient Citadel, the Hiền Lương-Bến Hải area, Road 9, Khe Sanh, Road 20 Quyết Thắng, Gianh Ferry Terminal, and Cồn Tiên-Dốc Miếu have become enduring symbols of the Vietnamese people's patriotism, resilience and aspiration for peace, he said.

He added that Quảng Trị's greatest strength today lies not only in its heroic past but also in its remarkable recovery. Rising from the devastation of war, the province has united to rebuild and develop. Its story mirrors that of Việt Nam – a nation whose history has been shaped not only by patriotism and resilience but also by an aspiration for peace, compassion, reconciliation, justice, mutual respect and cooperation.

A highlight of the opening ceremony was the Bell of Peace Wishes ceremony, a solemn and moving moment expressing hopes for a peaceful, united and sustainably developing world.

A special art performance, combining modern stage technology with creative artistic expression, was presented.

This year’s Festival for Peace includes a wide range of major events, including the Cycling for Peace Day, a Trịnh Công Sơn music night themed Mother's Legend, a province-wide candle-lighting ceremony marking the 79th War Invalids and Martyrs Day (July 27, 1947-2026) and a floating lantern ceremony on the Thạch Hãn River on July 26, a hot-air balloon festival in November, and a national concert in December.

The festival also features numerous accompanying events, including the Phong Nha Wild Trail, the Quảng Trị Amazing Marathon, an exhibition of works by painter Lê Bá Đảng, activities marking the 100th anniversary of Khe Sanh coffee, and other cultural and sporting programmes.

Earlier the same day, Thắng and his delegation laid flowers and offered incense in tribute to fallen heroes at the Quảng Trị Ancient Citadel special national relic site, the Trường Sơn National Martyrs' Cemetery and the Road 9 National Martyrs' Cemetery. VNA/VNS