Events in honour of Vietnamese Cultural Heritage Day (November 23) will be held from November 21-23, at the Vietnam Exhibition Centre for Culture and Arts (VECCA), No. 2 Hoa Lu Street in Hanoi, as an attraction for the upcoming National Tourism Year 2013.
Themed "Discover the Red River Civilisation", the event aims to spotlight the tangible and intangible cultural heritage of the region, advertise the image of Vietnamese land and people, thus attracting more visitors to the country, said VECCA Deputy Director, Nguyen Thi Nga at a press conference in Hanoi yesterday.
A grand exhibition will display artifacts arranged from the Dong Son to Dai Viet eras introducing visitors to the cultural and spiritual essence of the Red River delta, the cradle of ancient Vietnamese civilisation.
Works on show will include bronze drums, working tools, man-made weapons and various items of jewelry, as well as historical documents related to the costume, custom and spiritual activates of people at the time.
Thirteen artisans from seven provinces in the region will bring 50 colourful kites to the event, a favourite pastime of Vietnamese children.
There will also be booths from five cities and provinces including Hanoi, Phu Tho, Ninh Binh, Bac Ninh and Hai Phong the host city of the National Tourism Year 2013, showcasing their cultural essence and indigenous tourism products.
Paintings and photos by Vietnamese and foreign artists featuring Long Bien bridge, an age-old friend of many Hanoians and generations of Vietnamese people, in the past and present will be staged at a special outdoor venue during the event.
Visitors will also have chance to witness the real living space of farmers, in a northern rural area, with a typical house, utensils, handicrafts, production and daily activities all on display.
As part of the event, a seminar on "Promoting Folklore Cultural Heritage - Situation and Development" will be organised on November 21, followed by a variety of activities such as folk games, and traditional arts performances including Cheo (popular opera), Xoan (Spring) and Quan Ho (love duet) singing.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Hanoi Municipal People's Committee, the Vietnam Cultural Heritage Association and the Vietnam Handicraft Association will all take their part in organising the event.