Preparatory work is fundamentally complete, functional forces stand ready, and local residents are eagerly anticipating a vibrant series of cultural, artistic, and experiential activities unfolding across the land of Điện Biên.

As the festival opening approaches, the provincial central area has become increasingly colorful and bustling. Banners, billboards, and visual promotional clusters have been set up along main thoroughfares and public spaces; mobile publicity vehicles broadcast festival information to the public. Across newspapers, radio systems, electronic portals, and social media platforms, images, schedules, and activities of the festival are updated continuously, spreading eager excitement ahead of the major celebration.

At event venues, final touches are being finalized. 7/5 Square, Mường Thanh Market Walking Street, and roads serving the Carnaval have been refurbished and cleaned; stage structures, decorations, ceremonial setups, and festival support logistics are steadily reaching completion.

Bùi Thị Nga, Deputy Head of the Organizing Panel of Folk Dance Festival 2026 and representative of HVL Media Joint Stock Company, stated: “At this point, stage assembly and the setup of exhibition and product showcase booths are complete. The Folk Dance Festival is organized for the first time in Điện Biên with the aspiration to foster connections and reach domestic and international audiences. Through the festival, we hope more visitors will discover Điện Biên, particularly the distinct cultural values and unique identity of this land.”

Alongside facility preparations, practice sessions across folk dance clubs, troupes, and groups are heating up by the day. According to consolidated reports, 35 clubs from within and outside the province are competing, alongside one club registered for the street cultural parade. At numerous practice grounds, music plays from morning until evening. Members diligently refine every movement, formation, costume coordination, and musical timing, striving to deliver the most impressive performances.

That enthusiasm has spread to residential quarters. Điện Biên Phủ ward mobilized residential groups, villages, agencies, units, and schools to participate; establishing teams to compete in the Folk Dance Competition, Street Carnaval, and the “Dance of Solidarity” (Múa kết đoàn) mass performance. The Carnaval route is projected to start from 7/5 Square, proceed along Võ Nguyên Giáp Street, and conclude at the Ceremonial Ground of the Điện Biên Phủ Victory Monument.

Nguyễn Thị Thanh Hương, Deputy Head of the Art Division of the Điện Biên provincial Art Troupe, shared: “The atmosphere of festival preparations these days is very lively. Clubs, dance troupes, and competing teams across all categories are practicing intensively, with some training day and night. Athletes and dancers in Điện Biên are very excited and determined to prepare thoroughly to participate in the festival.”

One activity drawing significant public attention is the hot-air balloon experience. Hot-air balloons and accompanying equipment have been transported to Điện Biên, ready for operations starting August 28 at the Provincial Stadium. Notably, the image of the red flag with a yellow star featured on the hot-air balloons creates a prominent highlight tied to the atmosphere celebrating National Day on September 2, promising to become one of the most striking check-in attractions throughout the festival.

Dương Thị Quỳnh Giang, Chief Executive Officer of Nhiên Lạc Việt Joint Stock Company, shared: “We are thrilled to bring the hot-air balloon experience to Điện Biên. Our desire is to create opportunities for visitors and residents to fly up, admire Điện Biên from above, check in, and capture beautiful memories during the festival. In particular, hot-air balloons bearing the red flag with a yellow star carry special significance as the activity takes place right on the occasion of celebrating National Day on September 2.”

In addition to delivering novel experiences, ensuring participant safety is placed as the top priority by the operating unit. Regulations regarding age limits, participation conditions, and necessary notices are communicated to visitors; before each ride, pilots and staff provide direct briefings on safety harnesses, movement zones, and mandatory compliance rules.

Dương Thị Quỳnh Giang added: “Regulations, conditions, and guidelines for participants are provided in detail. When visitors arrive to experience the flight, pilots and staff will continue direct guidance, from fastening safety belts to adhering to movement pathways and security and safety requirements. We have prepared conditions thoroughly so that residents and visitors can enjoy the experience with complete peace of mind.”

The festival space is further expanded with OCOP and regional culinary booths. At 7/5 Square, nearly 40 OCOP booths from Điện Biên and other provinces are set up; Mường Thanh Market Walking Street hosts 60 food stalls. Signature specialties and delicacies stand ready to enrich the festive atmosphere, providing enticing stops for locals and travelers.

Comprehensive plans for public security, traffic management, fire prevention and fighting, medical services, power supply, and logistics have been prepared synchronously. The Health sector arranged 5 teams comprising 21 medical personnel, 4 ambulances, along with emergency equipment and pharmaceuticals; police forces devised plans to ensure security and regulate traffic across event areas; and the electricity sector prepared prioritized power sources and backup solutions.

Ahead of the opening hour, Điện Biên is embracing a rhythm far more vibrant than usual. Stages are assembled, booths stand ready, dance routines are meticulously rehearsed, and hot-air balloons await to soar into the sky. From service forces and clubs to artists and citizens, everyone looks forward to the festival with eager anticipation. Folk Dance Festival 2026 is ready to commence, promising lively, identity-rich days of celebration, spreading the image of a friendly, hospitable Điện Biên and forging bridges of cultural and tourism exchange with domestic and international friends.