The festival, to take place from November 24-30, aims at spotlighting the rich cultural tapestry of the three ancient capitals of Hoa Lu, Thang Long, and Hue, heard a press conference held in Hanoi on October 30.

Mua Cave is a tourist attraction in Ninh Binh province.

Director of the provincial Department of Culture and Sports Nguyen Manh Cuong said that festival activities, to be held in Ninh Binh city and Hoa Lu district, are expected to contribute to elevating the heritage urban status of the locality while popularising its images, culture, and people among visitors from far and wide.

The festival’s centerpiece will be its opening ceremony slated for November 24 evening at Dinh Tien Emperor Square in Ninh Binh city, he said, adding it will be broadcast live on VTV1 channel, and provincial radio and TV channels.

General Director of the festival Le Hai Yen said that performances at the opening ceremony, inspired by the historical journey of the Vietnamese nation, will honour efforts by successive kings in founding, relocating, and building the capital city.

To bring legendary tales and cultural brilliance of the UNESCO-recognised ancient capitals to life, an artistic programme is designed as a historical film, blending music, dance, and cinematic elements with cutting-edge 3D mapping technology on a dynamic stage, said Yen.

“It aims to decode ancient legends and uncover deep-seated cultural layers, illuminating the rich heritage and splendor of Vietnam’s former capitals,” she continued.

In a novel addition to this year's festival, the space of the Duc Thuy Son Cultural House will be launch from November 26-27 at Nui Thuy Park in Ninh Binh city. The park will be transformed into an outdoor contemporary poetry exhibition space, where visitors can experience traditional tea ceremonies, poetry recitations, moongazing, and folk music performances.

The festival will also feature many other fascinating programmes, including a music show, called “Ninh Binh – Sao Mai Convergence” on November 28 at Pham Thi Tran Theatre, a street festival the following day at the Tam Quan Gate with traditional costume displays, street performances, and a traditional market showcasing local handicrafts and specialties, and folk games.

The finale of the cosplay contest, where participants will embody historical figures, will be held within the framework of the festival.

Additionally, the event will feature a wide range of art and sports activities such as the 26th Red River Delta Artistic Photography Festival, the ITF U18-J30 International Tennis Tournament, the Vietnam International Challenge 2024 badminton tournament, the Trang An International Marathon 2024, and a trade promotion exhibition.

It will wrap up with an unprecedented electronic folk music concert at Thung Nham ecotourism site on November 30.

Hoa Lu of Ninh Binh became the capital of the Great Viet in the 10th century after Dinh Bo Linh conquered the stagnant warring situation between 12 factions, uniting them and declaring himself Emperor of the Great Viet land.

Dinh Tien Hoang became the first Emperor after one thousand years under occupation by the Han Chinese.

Hoa Lu served as capital for 42 years and was home to the founding Dinh dynasty (968-980), the Early Le (980-1010), and Ly (1009-1225) dynasties.

After King Ly Thai To, also a native Hoa Lu resident, moved the capital to Hanoi, he decided to build new residences and constructions in Dai La and named them exactly the same as the sites in Hoa Lu.