Held from June 19 to 21, the festival featured around 350 kites of varying sizes and shapes and brought together 12 kite clubs and teams from across Vietnam. Organized by the People's Committee of Quy Nhon Ward, the event formed part of activities responding to the 2026 National Tourism Year - Gia Lai while promoting traditional kite art and the image of the coastal city.
The festival took place along Xuan Dieu Beach and Nguyen Tat Thanh Square, where clear skies and sea breezes provided ideal conditions for kite flying. Throughout the three-day event, participating teams competed in four categories: frameless kites, group kites, illuminated kites and team kites.
Among the highlights were more than 30 ocean-themed kites presented by the Cai Be Kite Club, including whale, stingray and jellyfish designs. Some of the kites exceeded 30 meters in length and attracted large crowds whenever they took to the air.
Organizers said the festival's appeal extended beyond the size and number of kites, with each team showcasing distinctive designs and creative concepts that transformed the skyline into a colorful display.
“For me, the festival is not just a place for clubs to connect, but also an opportunity to bring kite art closer to the public,” said Nguyen Phung Minh Phuong, a representative of the Cai Be Kite Club. Phuong said creating artistic kites requires significant time and effort, adding that the enthusiasm of visitors and local residents was the greatest reward for participants.
Large crowds gathered along the beach throughout the festival to watch performances, take photographs and enjoy the displays. Spectators frequently cheered as giant kites caught the wind and rose into the sky.
Nguyen Quy Thanh, a visitor returning to Quy Nhon with family and friends after previously studying in the city, said he had noticed significant changes.
“Quy Nhon has always been beautiful and familiar in my memory. This time, the city feels even more vibrant,” Thanh said. “The kite festival creates a lively, colorful scene and offers a unique experience for tourists”.
Local residents also welcomed the event despite the large crowds.
“The crowds were so large that moving around was sometimes a bit difficult,” said Nguyen Thi Cam, a resident of Quy Nhon Ward. “However, everyone was cheerful and understanding because the kites were truly beautiful. It's wonderful that the festival has created its own identity and left a lasting impression on visitors from all over”.
According to Nguyen Duc Toan, Chairman of the People's Committee of Quy Nhon Ward, the festival was designed to preserve and promote the cultural values of kite art while creating a distinctive attraction for visitors.
“We hope to promote the image of Quy Nhon Ward to friends both inside and outside the province”, Toan said. “We also aim to gradually develop the festival into a unique tourism product that will be held annually in the coming years”.
Mr. Toan added: “Through the festival, we hope to promote the image of Quy Nhon Ward to friends both inside and outside the province. We also aim to gradually develop the festival into a unique, signature tourism product that will be held annually in the coming years.”
