Strengthening management to ensure a civilized and safe Thanh Tuyen Festival

The vibrant atmosphere of preparations for the 2025 Thanh Tuyen Festival covers the streets of Tuyen Quang with dazzling and creative Mid-Autumn lantern models. However, alongside the meaningful and educational displays, there remain cases of excessive use of sound and lighting, inappropriate costumes, and even portrayals of unsuitable characters, sparking public debate and affecting the festival’s cultural identity.

Only models with the official festival logo are permitted to participate.

In line with provincial directives, the Organizing Committee has instructed communes and wards to strengthen management, ensuring that models are safe, creative, and reflect cultural and historical values. Only models with the official festival logo are permitted to participate. The use of offensive images, sounds, or lighting that violate traditional values is strictly prohibited.

Traffic safety has also been a major concern. Many makeshift vehicles carrying oversized lantern models pose risks of accidents. The Provincial Traffic Safety Board has mandated strict controls, allowing parades only on weekends, rehearsal days, and the official festival day. Models must move at speeds below 20 km/h, limit passengers, particularly children and the elderly, and undergo technical and fire safety checks before joining the parade.

Authorities are also reviewing infrastructure, improving lighting systems, traffic signals, parking areas, and increasing public transport services to meet the demand of residents and visitors. Localities participating in parades must sign commitments to take responsibility for safety, environmental sanitation, and the preservation of cultural traditions.

Both locals and visitors have expressed support for these measures, believing they will make the Thanh Tuyen Festival more civilized and appealing. Some suggested extending parade times from Friday evening to Sunday to attract more tourists while accommodating students’ schedules.

Over the years, the Thanh Tuyen Festival has become a distinctive cultural brand of Tuyen Quang, drawing widespread attention from domestic and international tourists. Strengthened management not only ensures safety and preserves traditions but also reaffirms the brand of the “Thanh Tuyen Festival” - a source of pride for the people of Tuyen Quang and a unique cultural destination.

Ngoc Han