1 The significance of the Quan Lan rowing festival in Van Don Special Region, Quang Ninh
Every year, when summer arrives, seaside destinations are among the most popular choices for travelers. Quan Lan Island in Quang Ninh is also one of the hottest destinations in northern Vietnam. When people mention Minh Chau–Quan Lan tourism, they immediately think of some of the most pristine, crystal-clear beaches in the north, with stretches of fine white sand. Yet the area is even more special for its rich historical heritage. One highlight is the “rowing festival,” a beautiful expression of the culture and identity of this island region.
The Quan Lan rowing festival (Quan Lan Festival) takes place from the 10th to the 20th day of the sixth lunar month, with the main celebration held on the 18th each year. The festival is a traditional village gathering for the residents of Quan Lan Island Commune. It commemorates the victory over the Mongol invaders in 1288 and honors the achievements of General Tran Khanh Du. It is also an annual festival in which the island’s fishermen pray for favorable weather and calm seas.
The festival is usually held at Quan Lan Communal House Wharf, next to the ancient Quan Lan Communal House, one of the region’s most famous historical sites. It typically lasts 10 days. The celebrations begin on the 10th day of the sixth lunar month, when the village is closed to residents, who are not allowed to leave during this period. Visitors from other places can still come and attend the festival.
The Quan Lan rowing festival is celebrated on a grand scale every year and is attracting more and more visitors
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2 The unique Quan Lan rowing festival
2.1 Preparing for the Quan Lan rowing festival
The Quan Lan rowing festival is held at Quan Lan Communal House Wharf, next to the ancient communal house—one of the most historically significant sites on Quan Lan Island. The festival lasts 10 days, beginning on the 10th day of the sixth lunar month. The opening day also marks the start of the village lockdown, meaning island residents cannot leave until the festival ends. Although the village is closed, visitors from elsewhere can still come and join the residents in celebrating.
The main celebrations last just three days, but residents begin preparing for this traditional festival many days in advance. National and five-color flags are hung along the village streets. The Quan Lan rowing festival differs from those in other regions. Participants are divided into two teams, each of which sets up its own camp to train and compete in boat races starting on the first day. The teams are Dong Nam Van and Doai Bac Vo. The racing boats are seagoing vessels with a capacity of around 5 to 6 tons, decorated with dragon heads at the bow and featuring broad, deep hulls. The 16th is chosen for the procession of General Tran Khanh Du’s memorial tablet from the shrine to the communal house. During these days, the teams continue training at the wharf, creating a lively and festive atmosphere.
2.2 The main celebrations
On the 16th day of the sixth lunar month, the sacred decree is carried from the communal house to the shrine, where the village elders perform a ceremony to inform the deity and ask permission to hold the festival. The village groups and delegations then take turns making offerings. At the same time, the two groups hold a feast for their troops, accompanied by activities such as cultural performances, dragon and lion dances, and folk games.
The 18th is the main festival day. Soldiers from both sides put on ceremonial uniforms to worship the deity, receive their swords, and set out, parading through the village streets. The two sides display their forces in three circuits along the village streets and three more around the shrine before stopping. At 4 p.m., after the incense-offering ceremony and the reading of the prayer text, the teams receive commemorative flags and sound the battle drums before preparing for the traditional rowing race. Each side appoints someone to carry its general from the shrine to a dragon boat. The two boats turn to face the same direction and prepare to set off. After making three circuits on the river, the soldiers bring their boats to shore amid cheers and the rallying cries of the two generals. Once the generals have finished their speeches, the race officially begins at the sound of the departure drum. The rowing race is especially lively and exciting in part because it recreates the atmosphere of the historic 1288 victory at Van Don. For this reason, although it is a competition, winning or losing is not what matters most. As Chairman Luu Van Vien said, everyone is a winner because they have brought the spirit of their ancestors back to life. The competition is also an opportunity to treat the troops to a feast, after which residents eagerly return to fishing, looking forward to a bountiful catch.
The festival is celebrated on a grand scale and is incredibly lively
The most exciting part of the festival is the rowing race, which reenacts the historic victory at Van Don
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Quang Ninh is home to beautiful natural attractions and scenic spots, as well as delicious local specialties. Its festivals—including the Bach Dang Festival, Ha Long Carnaval, and the culturally and historically rich Quan Lan rowing festival—are also well worth experiencing.
