The 9th biennial Nghinh Ong Quan Thanh De Quan Festival to worship Lord Guan Yu, a general who served under Emperor Liu Bei during the late Eastern Han Dynasty of China, kicked off on August 4 in the coastal city of Phan Thiet.

The event is a traditional activity of the Chinese community in the city to pray for peace and a happy life. Besides the worshipping ceremony at the Lord Guan temple, this year’s festival also includes a series of cultural activities, traditional Chinese costume performances, dragon dances, tuong classic dramas, and Chinese folk games.

“The festival reflects Chinese people’s belief in Lord Guan,” To Buu Dat, head of the Lord Guan temple’s managing board said. “This is a typical festival featuring the customs and beliefs of the Chinese community living in Phan Thiet over the centuries.”

During the festival, people will also release lanterns on the river to pray for a good life.

A street parade on the Nghinh Ong Quan Thanh De Quan festival’s last day, September 6, also expects to see hundreds of local residents join in.