The festival featured meaningful activities aimed at honoring and commemorating the immense contributions of past generations in the historic Điện Biên Phủ Campaign. One of the festival’s highlights was the artillery-pulling competition on Hill A1 - a site that witnessed fierce and arduous battles during Vietnam’s resistance against French colonialism.

Experiencing the artillery-pulling event for the first time, Vũ Phan Nhật Minh, a student from Điện Biên Phủ High School, shared his emotions: “Along with eight other students, I had the chance to experience pulling a cannon-an incredibly challenging task that our ancestors once undertook. This experience gave me a glimpse into the immense hardship, sacrifice, and determination it took to transport artillery under extreme conditions. I feel deeply proud of our nation’s heroic history and have a newfound appreciation for the Điện Biên soldiers of the past”.

This year’s festival featured a wide range of historically significant interactive sports activities that attracted both locals and visitors. In addition to the artillery-pulling event on Hill A1, participants could experience pushing heavily loaded bicycles and carrying ammunition - recreating the resilience and perseverance of the logistics forces and ethnic minority communities of the Northwest, who once transported essential supplies to the battlefield of Điện Biên Phủ.

These activities serve as a vivid form of historical education, helping younger generations understand the challenges their ancestors faced. They also nurture patriotism and gratitude for those who sacrificed for the nation’s independence and freedom, encouraging deeper appreciation for today’s peaceful and prosperous life.

After witnessing the bicycle-pushing and ammunition-carrying competitions, Phạm Hồng Thao, a visitor from Hưng Yên province, shared: “I was deeply moved to see such meaningful activities. This festival is not just a time for celebration but also an opportunity for everyone to take pride in our nation’s glorious history”.

Beyond celebrating the exquisite beauty of the ban flower - a signature bloom of the Northwest mountains - the festival also highlights the rich cultural heritage of the region’s ethnic communities. Year after year, the event has become a cherished gathering, attracting large crowds with its immersive and locally inspired activities.

Amid the lively beats of drums and gongs, visitors were invited to participate in traditional folk games such as ném còn (ball throwing), múa xòe (traditional ethnic dance), and giã bánh giầy (pounding sticky rice cake) - all of which showcase the unique cultural identity of the province’s ethnic minorities. Festival-goers could also savor the authentic flavors of Điện Biên through signature dishes such as xôi ngũ sắc (five-color sticky rice), thịt trâu gác bếp (smoked buffalo meat), and cá suối nướng (grilled stream fish), freshly prepared at festival booths for an immersive culinary experience. These activities provide valuable insights into local life and customs while helping to preserve and promote traditional cultural values.

Reflecting on his experience at the festival, Lưu Quang Thụ, a visitor from Hanoi, expressed his delight: “I am thrilled to have visited Điện Biên during the Ban Flower Festival. The atmosphere is so vibrant and welcoming. I was especially impressed by the traditional folk games and the warm, friendly spirit of the people here. I look forward to returning and experiencing this unique festival again”.

The festival not only attracts domestic visitors but also draws international tourists. Ken, a traveler from the United Kingdom, happened to be in Điện Biên during the Ban Flower Festival and was captivated by the cultural performances, intricate handicrafts, and, most notably, the opportunity to engage in traditional games and dances. The energetic rhythms of ethnic musical instruments and the graceful múa xòe dances left a lasting impression on him.

Sharing his thoughts, Ken remarked: “This is my first time in Điện Biên and my first experience at the Ban Flower Festival. I was thrilled to witness such a vibrant cultural display and learn about the traditions and way of life of the local ethnic communities. These experiences have given me a profound appreciation for the rich heritage and unity of the people of Điện Biên”.

Cultural and artistic performances, set in different thematic spaces across the festival, evoked a deep sense of nostalgia and warmth among visitors, transporting them back to their roots and childhood memories. The lively folk games and múa xòe dances fostered a cheerful atmosphere, drawing large crowds and further amplifying the image of Điện Biên Phủ as a welcoming and culturally rich destination.

The highland cultural space, featuring authentic ethnic cuisine prepared by local communities, offered visitors a diverse and captivating culinary journey. More than just a festival, the event plays a vital role in preserving and promoting traditional cultural values while establishing the Ban flower as a symbolic representation of the people of Điện Biên - simple, resilient, and deeply rooted in their cultural heritage. This distinctive aspect continues to attract visitors eager to explore and experience the history and traditions of this remarkable land.

Over the years, the Ban Flower Festival has evolved into a signature cultural, sports, and tourism event of Điện Biên province, effectively showcasing the land and its people to both domestic and international visitors. Beyond celebrating the beauty of the ban flower, the festival also serves as a platform for promoting the unique and invaluable cultural heritage of the province’s diverse ethnic groups.