The 2015 Ban Flower Festival kicked off in the northwestern province of Dien Bien on March 13.

White and purple Ban flower, scientifically known as BauhiniaVariegata, is typical to the northern mountainous region of Vietnam,often in blossom in springs.

This year’sfestival, the second of its kind held in the province, started with anartistic performance of more than 200 local artists, telling visitorsabout the Thai ethnic group’s legend on the Ban flower and presentingthe unique cultural identities of the 19 ethnic groups living in DienBien.

A wide range of activities, includingsport competitions, folk games, a traditional costume show and a cuisinecompetition are scheduled to be held during the festival, which willlast until March 15.

Local businesses also showcase their products that bear deep local characteristics.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Chairman of the provincial People’sCommittee Mua A Son said that the annual festival aims to introduce theimage of Dien Bien to both domestic and foreign visitors, conserve andpromote the province’s cultural heritage, and bring into full play itstourism potential to boost socio-economic development.-VNA