As part of the second Ly Son culture and tourism week, the exhibition is displaying 100 photos and 100 items to bring to visitors the island’s history and current development as well as its spiritual festivals and scenic landscapes.
It is also presenting a series of documents and maps that prove Vietnam’s sovereignty over Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagos.
The highlight of the exhibition, which lasts until June 25, is the reenactment of the “khao le the linh Hoang Sa” (Feast and Commemoration Festival for Hoang Sa Soldiers).
According to Vietnam’s feudal state history, the Hoang Sa Flotilla was set up when the Nguyen Lords began their reign in the south of the country. Thousands of sailors overcame roaring waves and storms to survey sea routes, plant milestones and erect steles affirming national territory on Hoang Sa and Truong Sa islands, and exploit marine resources ordered by Nguyen Lords. Their missions were full of dangers, and many of them never returned to land.
To pay tribute to the men enlisted in the flotilla, the festival has been observed through hundreds of years by families in Ly Son island and many coastal areas in Quang Ngai.
The festival, which is held every April on the island, was recognised as part of Vietnam’s national intangible cultural heritage in 2016.
VNA/VNP
