The “Great Highlands essence festival - blue sea convergence 2025” featured music, parades, food fairs, traditional performances, and a spectacular drone light show over Quy Nhon city.
The four-day event, which opened on August 29, showcased the rich cultural heritage of the Central Highlands alongside the modern spirit of Vietnam’s coastal communities. Officials said the festival aimed to connect mountain and sea, tradition and modernity, while boosting regional pride.
Music, tradition and gastronomy
The opening ceremony set the tone with a large-scale performance titled “Aspiration for the blue sea - The Highlands shine,” portraying the natural beauty, history, and cultural depth of Gia Lai province.
Visitors explored local culture through the “Delicacies from basalt land and sea” food fair, exhibitions of “One Commune, One Product” (OCOP) goods, and displays from traditional craft villages. More than 94 booths presented hundreds of products, from coffee to handicrafts.
Photo: Thảo Khuy
Street parades on August 31 added color and energy, featuring Miss Vietnam Tourism Ambassador 2024 Đinh Thị Hoa, local singers, and convoys promoting Gia Lai specialties such as coffee and ocean tuna.
Reviving traditional art forms
Traditional performances including hát bội (classical opera), bài chòi folk singing, gong ensembles, and martial arts enriched the program. Amateur tuồng actress Nguyễn Hằng said performing in the street parade allowed her to “see tuồng art receive so much attention and enthusiastic support.”
Artisan R’ơm Bus, from the Jrai ethnic group, said gong performances were “not just music but a call of identity and pride” as ethnic culture resonated beyond the highlands.
Star performances and light festival
The closing ceremony on September 1 featured modern acts alongside traditional arts. Chapter I, “The Highlands - blue sea reaching new heights,” evoked the connection between mountain and sea.
Chapter II, “The Breath of sea and mountain - The rhythm of youth,” targeted young audiences with performances by Vietnamese pop stars Kay Trần and Isaac, along with sets by international DJ Carrillo from Germany.
The highlight was the light festival, transforming Quy Nhon’s coastline into a dazzling spectacle of music, lights, and drone art.
“The program was truly impressive-both grand and intimate,” said attendee Trà Thị Thanh Thắm, who returned home from Ho Chi Minh City. “My favorite part was the drone light show over the Quy Nhon sky, creating a sparkling and emotional scene.”
Spreading festivities beyond Quy Nhon
Celebrations extended beyond the coastal city. In Pleiku, lion-dragon dances on September 1 captivated children and families with performances such as “Tứ quý hưng long” and “Long vũ trời Nam.” Deputy club leader Trần Xuân Ngọc said the event helped foster children’s love for homeland and cultural traditions.
Residents like Nguyễn Vân Anh welcomed the festive atmosphere: “The rain stopped and the weather was cool, so I took the kids out to play. It gave them a new experience during the holiday.”
National pride and community spirit
From traditional gongs to international DJs, the festival reflected Vietnam’s dynamic cultural identity, honoring its 80th National Day while engaging younger generations with both heritage and modern entertainment.
