Many large lantern models will be carried through the streets of Tuyên Quang as part of this year's festival. VNA/VNS Photo Nam Sương

TUYÊN QUANG — The opening ceremony of the Tuyên Citadel Festival night, one of the largest events in Việt Nam to mark the mid-autumn festival, will take place tonight in Tuyên Quang Province, where it has been held annually for the previous 18 years.

Thousands of people showed out on Friday (September 2) for the rehearsal of this massive event.

This year's opening ceremony, entitled Sparkling colours of Tuyên citadel's night, will be held in Nguyễn Tất Thành square and will feature one-of-a-kind giant lantern models based on six different themes: Oriental mascots, carp, heroes of Vietnamese history, folk tales, environmental protection, and integration.

With an eye toward expanding the festival's reach to the world in future years, the Xiangkhouang Art Troupe of Laos will be performing at this year's event.

About 100,000 people are anticipated to attend this year's Tuyên Citadel Festival.

As part of the festivities, on Saturday (September 3) the Then practice of Tày, Nùng, and Thái ethnic groups was officially recognised as intangible cultural heritages of humanity.

A 'Then' performance was held at the recognition ceremony on September 3. VNA/VNS Photo Thống Nhất

According to the organiser, other sideline events, such as a trade-tourism fair and a beauty pageant called Miss Tuyên Citadel, will take place within the framework of the festival from September 1-10.

Hoàng Việt Phương, deputy chairman of Tuyên Quang Province's People's Committee, said that as a locality rich in charming natural scenery and diverse cultural treasures, Tuyên Quang Province is ready to welcome people and visitors to the unprecedented festival activities this year.

Located about 140 kilometres away from Hà Nội, Tuyên Quang is a popular destination for explorers and outdoor enthusiasts.

The northern province boasts picturesque scenery, adorned with a wide range of amazing, unique and breathtaking landscapes. This place is also home to ethnic minorities from the northern mountainous region, with a great variety of valuable tangible and intangible cultural heritage. VNS