Lo River Boat Racing Festival – A cultural beauty of spring
In the days before Tet, rowers from 15 communes and wards in the city put aside their housework to focus on practicing and getting familiar with the race track in preparation for the boat racing festival on the Lo River that will take place at the beginning of the new year. This is not only a traditional event, but also contains profound spiritual values, demonstrating the strength of solidarity and ingenuity. Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Tuyen - Captain of the Trang Da commune racing team shared, Each racing boat team has 26 people, but we always prepare a force of 30 - 32 people. The rowers on the racing team list have all proactively put aside their personal work to focus on practicing from December 19. Because boat racing requires the smooth coordination of the whole team, they must practice thoroughly, so that the whole team can unify their movements and techniques...
Doi Can ward team participates in training
The boat racing festival on the Lo River originated from the traditional sport of rowing. This is a sport that developed strongly in the North after the Bach Dang Victory of our army and people in 938. Up to now, the boat racing festival on the Lo River every early spring has become a unique river festival, attracting a large number of people and tourists from all over to participate, contributing to creating the cultural identity of the land and people of Tuyen Quang. Mr. Duong Hong Duc, group 10, Doi Can ward shared, we are enthusiastic about practicing and participating in the race, both to maintain tradition and to arouse national pride in each person."
Y La ward boat team actively practiced on the afternoon of January 19, 2025
Boat racing is a vibrant sport, imbued with national cultural identity, demonstrating solidarity and strength. Each racing boat has 26 people, all men, aged 18 to 55, including 1 person who beats the key, the whistle of the person sitting at the bow, unifying the strength of the whole boat; 1 helmsman to keep the boat on the right direction, in the right channel, as well as contributing to increasing speed and 24 rowers sitting in pairs, in line and using short, wide beams, rowing quickly and continuously. Each racing boat has its own uniform for the racers and performs a lap with a length of 2.5km (from the old Nong Tien ferry to Tinh Huc beach and back). When the command drum sounds, the boats rush forward, creating dramatic chases. It is an image of effort, determination and solidarity.
The boat racing festival on the Lo River has truly entered the subconscious and become a beautiful feature in the spiritual and cultural activities of the people of Tuyen Quang city in the first days of the new year. Through the festival, it contributes to unleashing the creativity of our ancestors, strengthening community solidarity, working together to improve health, building a new life, creating momentum for local tourism development.
According to the plan, the 2025 Lo River Boat Racing Festival, the 18th year organized by Tuyen Quang city, will take place at 1:30 p.m. on February 1, 2025 (ie the 4th day of the Lunar New Year At Ty), along the flower garden area of the park, Chien Thang Song Lo street, Tan Quang ward, Tuyen Quang city.
| Coming to Tuyen Quang city in the first days of the new year, tourists can also participate in festivals such as: Huong Nghiem Pagoda Festival, also known as Hang Pagoda, An Khang commune, Tuyen Quang city on the 8th of January. Gieng Tanh communal house festival is held annually on the 10th of January in Kim Phu commune, Tuyen Quang city; Ha temple festival, Thuong temple festival, Y La temple festival is held from the 11th to the 16th of February of the lunar calendar... Visiting Ha temple, the origin of Mau Thoai (Mother of water), brings with it admiration, respect and many good intentions. |
Article and photos: Thanh Xuan - City Center for Culture, Information and Communication
