Time: February 24th and 25th of the Lunar Calendar every year - Location: Ban Phu Citadel, Noong Het Commune, Dien Bien District, Dien Bien Province.

A traditional ritual is performed at the Ban Phu Citadel Festival (Photo: internet)

Ban Phu Citadel Festival is held annually on February 24^th and 25^th of the Lunar Calendar to commemorate Commander Hoang Cong Chat. In the 18^th century,  Hoang Cong Chat, together with General Ngai and General Khanh, the two leaders of Thai ethnic group, led the local people to fight against Phe invaders and liberate Muong Thanh. For a long-term operation base, Hoang Cong Chat built Ban Phu Citadel.

Ban Phu Citadel Festival consists of two parts, the ceremony and the festival. The ceremony begins with a solemn procession and dragon dance, followed by the offering of incense and speech to review the process of fighting against invaders and protect the villages of Commander Hoang Cong Chat. The festival is organized with multiple cultural and artistic activities and traditional sports of the Northwestern people.

Ban Phu Citadel Festival, recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2016, attracts thousands of tourists and local people every year to visit and offer incense for commemoration.

The formal speech to open the festival. (Photo: internet)

Dragon dance. (Photo: internet)

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