Dien Bien: Thanh Ban Phu festival opened on the morning of March 23 at Hoang Cong Chat Temple in Noong Het commune, Dien Bien district, Dien Bien province, commemorating the cloth hero Hoang Cong Chat. The general, whose real name is Hoang Cong Thu, led the people of all ethnic groups to chase the Pe army and liberate Muong Thanh (Dien Bien) in May 1754. The festival was recognised as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2016. According to Vietnam News Agency, the Thanh Ban Phu festival is a significant event that honors the historical achievements of Hoang Cong Chat. The festival is held annually to pay tribute to the general's efforts in uniting the local ethnic groups and successfully liberating the region from foreign occupation. The recognition of the festival as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage highlights its cultural importance and the role it plays in preserving the history and traditions of the area. The opening ceremony at Hoang Cong Chat Temple was attended by local officials, reside nts, and visitors who gathered to celebrate the legacy of the renowned leader. The festival features various traditional activities and performances, allowing attendees to engage with the rich cultural heritage of the region.