Cat Ba Green 2024: A Spectacular Extravaganza

DNHN - The “Cat Ba Green 2024” arts programme took place in the central square of Cat Ba tourist area (Hai Phong). This was the focal point of the traditional festival commemorating the 65th anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh’s visit to Cat Hai village.

Speaking at the event, Mr Bui Tuan Manh - Chairman of the People’s Committee of Cat Hai District, Hai Phong City, said that exactly 65 years ago, on March 31, 1959, beloved President Ho Chi Minh visited cadres, soldiers and people of Cat Hai District. This event demonstrated his concern and care for the people and soldiers on the outpost island of the Fatherland. His instructions on the sovereignty of the sea and islands of the Fatherland: “The golden forest, the silver sea belong to us, and are managed by our people” have become a truth and remain relevant to this day.

Over the past 65 years, despite the fierce gunfire of war or during the period of renovation, integration and development, the Party Committee, government, army and people of Cat Hai have bravely and tenaciously fought to protect the island, while being proactive and creative in building and developing their homeland so that Cat Hai has transformed from a deserted island district with only sea sand and pebbles into a key marine economic hub of Hai Phong City and the northern provinces as it is today.

Cat Ba archipelago has received many accolades such as being recognised by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve in 2004; recognised by the Prime Minister as a Special National Monument for scenic landscapes in 2013; Lan Ha Bay was recognised as a member of the World’s Most Beautiful Bays Club in 2020. On September 16, 2023, the Cat Ba archipelago, together with Ha Long Bay (Quang Ninh), was recognised by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage Site. This is also the first inter-provincial, city-level World Natural Heritage Site in Vietnam.

The traditional festival programme of Cat Hai District in 2024 with 10 activities is like the 10 most beautiful flowers in the garden of studying and following the ideology, morality and style of Ho Chi Minh. The Party Committee, government, army and people of Cat Hai District, Hai Phong City respectfully offer this to the sacred spirit of beloved President Ho Chi Minh for the glorious achievements after 65 years of implementing his instructions.

The opening programme of Cat Ba tourism in 2024 is a particularly important event, a message and a respectful invitation to domestic and international tourists to come to Cat Ba to explore and enjoy the priceless gift that nature has bestowed upon mankind. Cat Ba, a rendezvous all year round, is ready to welcome tourists with open arms

The arts programme commemorating the 65th anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh’s visit to Cat Hai fishing village and the opening of Cat Ba tourism in 2024 consists of 3 chapters: “Hai Phong - My Beloved City”, “Cat Hai - In the Footsteps of the Leader” and “Cat Ba - A rendezvous all year round” with the participation of many famous singers and art troupes, attracting millions of domestic and foreign tourists.

A spectacular fireworks display ends the grand festival, opening a promising tourist season. Coming to Cat Ba Green, coming to the world's natural heritage site, you are coming to the Golden Forest, the Silver Sea, and the rare and wonderful bay that is second to none.

Nam Tri Duc