Hai Phong - a city of red flamboyant flowers

The festivals will honor coastal folklore and stimulate tourism, boost economic development, and improve the lives of coastal residents and soldiers who are defending Vietnam’s sea and islands.

At a press conference on Saturday, Nguyen Ngoc Ha, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the Communist Review, said Hai Phong, one of Vietnam’s 28 coastal cities, was the scene of several glorious feats of arms during struggles against foreign invaders.

"Throughout Vietnam’s long history, if the Red River Delta was the center, Hai Phong was the outpost of our struggles. Any discussion of Hai Phong must include female general Le Chan, a symbol of Vietnam’s defense, and historic battles on the Bach Dang river," said Ha.

Le Khac Nam, Vice Chairman of the Hai Phong municipal People’s Committee, said: "We’ve wanted to organize a sea and island festival for years. The Red Flamboyant Flower Festival, organized 9 years ago, has drawn considerable public attention. We hope that a sea and island festival will boost local economic development and attract more visitors to the city."

The highlight of the festival will be an elaborate art performance during the opening ceremony, featuring rituals and folk practices closely associated with the life of coastal people and honoring the determination, aspiration, and strong will of the people and soldiers who safeguard the nation’s sea and islands.

A folk game festival, a beach volleyball tournament, and a tug-of-war competition will also be held, involving 300 athletes from around the country.