The 2022 Hoa Lu Festival opens on April 9, 2022. (Photo: VNA)

The event honors national hero Dinh Bo Linh (924-979), who defeated 12 warlords to unite the country. He ascended the throne with the title Dinh Tien Hoang. Under his reign, Hoa Lu was chosen as the capital of Dai Co Viet (Great Viet) - the first feudal state of Vietnam.

The annual festival is one of Vietnam’s 100 national intangible cultural heritages.

Held from the 9th to the 11th day of the third lunar month, the festival typically attracts thousands of attendees.