On the evening of August 31, within the framework of the Dien Bien International Dance Festival 2026, Vo Nguyen Giap street (Dien Bien Phu ward) became an open stage with folk dance, lion and dragon dance, martial arts and circus performances, attracting a large number of people and tourists.
No longer having a distance between the stage and the audience, Carnaval brings dances down to the street, turning the familiar route into a vibrant cultural exchange space.
Along Vo Nguyen Giap street, many colors converge. The elegance and liberality of sports dances blend with the familiar folk dances of women's clubs and the Dien Bien community.
The cultural colors of the highlands are expressed through the Muong Then, Nang Ban, Hoa Mai, Hoa Cua Nui, Hoa Ban Do Him Lam teams; along with performances by the Thai Ethnic Culture Association, art troupes and intergenerational clubs.
Youthfulness is also shown through Phantom Kid, Dien Bien Youthful Vitality and delegations from Bac Ninh, Thai Nguyen.
Each team has its own style, but when appearing together on the street, it creates a colorful picture, true to the spirit of Carnaval: many colors in a common space.
Opening the parade was the Lion and Dragon Dance team with drums, cymbals and powerful moves, creating a bustling festival atmosphere. Next, 30 martial arts students brought performances showing strength, discipline and training spirit.
The festival atmosphere continued to be stirred up with 10 circus artists performing stilt walking, juggling and interacting directly with the audience.
The special feature of the folk dance Carnaval is that the public is not just standing outside to enjoy. When the melody sounds, people and tourists can clap and join in the dance, becoming a part of the performance.
From the stage to the streets, folk dances become a bridge to bring art closer to the community, so that differences in regions, age or style can blend together in a vibrant festival night in Dien Bien.
