A festival to celebrate the 1418 Lam Son revolution was held at the Lam Kinh historical site in the central province of Thanh Hoa's Tho Xuan District on Saturday.

The annual three-day event honoured the services to the country of the historical figure Le Loi, who led a 10-year resistance against the Chinese Ming invaders and brought independence to his people. He was crowned the first king of the late Le dynasty (1427-1789) with the title of Le Thai To in 1428.

The event also marked his coronation as well as the 579th anniversary of his death.

The festival was kicked off with a palanquin procession from the Le Thai To Temple to the grand court of Lam Kinh Palace, where a ritual ceremony dedicated to the national hero took place.

Earlier, incense was offered for Le Loi and his general, Le Lai, who sacrificed himself to protect Le Loi, at historical sites across the province.

Several artistic activities were also organised during the festival, including five Xuan Pha folk dances, considered the best of traditional Vietnamese dance. This was the first time the dances were reintegrated and staged by local farmers of Xuan Pha Village, expressing the unique features of the wet rice civilisation.

Other traditional games were also held, attracting thousands of people to join in the fun.

The festival provided an opportunity for local travel agents to boost provincial tourism. Tours to several attractions across the province, including the Tay Do-Lam Kinh royal area, Ho Royal Citadel, and Sam Son Beach, were introduced at the event.

The festival, which has been held annually since 1995, will conclude today.