The annual cultural and diplomatic event rotates among border provinces of the three countries, aiming to preserve traditional culture while promoting cross-border cooperation and mutual understanding.

The festival runs from December 19 - 21, with participants from Dien Bien and Lai Chau (Vietnam), Phong Sa Ly (Laos), and Jiangcheng and Pu’er (China).

Highlights include traditional “ném còn” ỏ ball-throwing competitions, folk sports, cultural performances, ethnic costume showcases, and arts workshops.

Festival grounds also include exhibitions of local cuisine, handicrafts, and tourism, promoting the identity and tourism potential of Vietnam’s Northwestern border region.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Nguyen Minh Phu, Vice Chairman of Dien Bien People’s Committee, emphasised that “ném còn” symbolises community solidarity, harmony, and shared prosperity. He highlighted the festival as a platform to strengthen long-standing friendships and expand cooperation in infrastructure, trade, tourism, and cultural exchange among the three countries.

The opening ceremony featured a vibrant cultural programme titled “Weaving a Ribbon of Friendship – Towards the Future,” with performances by artists from Vietnam, Laos, and China. The flying “ném còn” during the ceremony symbolised peace, unity, and the shared aspiration for development at the tri-border region.

The festival is expected to become a key cultural and diplomatic highlight, fostering economic, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges while deepening neighbourly relations among the three countries.

Dien Bien ready for Vietnam-Laos-China ball-throwing festival

VOV.VN - The northern province of Dien Bien is putting the finishing touches to preparations for the ninth Vietnam-Laos-China ball-throwing festival from December 19–21, according to a local official.