ĐIỆN BIÊN CITY — The sixth Ban Flower Festival will end today in Điện Biên Phủ City.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Prime Minister Vũ Đức Đam said Điện Biên bears historical significance with its people having made a great contribution to national liberation and defence as well as playing a role in enhancing the friendship of Việt Nam with neighbouring countries.

The northwestern region of Việt Nam is also well-known as the land of ban (Bauhinia) flower, a symbol of purity and vitality, he added.

“Ban flower has been an inspiration for writers and poets as it has been a popular image in literary works, folk songs and dances of local people here including the ethnic people. The spectacular landscape and mountains, the rich culture and proud history along with the pristine beauty of flowers have made Điện Biên a popular destination for local and international tourists. However, more investment in infrastructure is needed to make local tourism a spearhead economy and to reduce poverty and improve locals’ life,” he said.

He also suggested Điện Biên develop community-based tourism and connect its tourism with other localities’ while preserving local culture and protecting the environment.

The festival has been held every March since 2014. The event is not just to introduce and promote the beauty of ban flower and local tourism but also to honour the heritage and culture of Điện Biên, according to Chairman of Điện Biên Province’s People’s Committee Mùa A Sơn.

The five-day festival featured a range of activities like sports competitions, folk art performance, tourism fairs and a pageant contest.

The festival this year also celebrated the 65th anniversary of the victory of the Điện Biên Phủ battle over the French (May 7, 1954) and the 110th birthday of the province.

On March 13, 1954, Vietnamese soldiers began a campaign against the heavily entrenched French army position at Điện Biên Phủ. After 56 days of arduous battles, Việt Nam won the fight, ending the campaign on May 7. The victory is considered a landmark in the nation’s struggle against foreign invaders. — VNS