The 2013 Southern Fruit Festival, honouring the highest quality products from the nation's farmers and fruit cultivators, will open in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) on June 1 and run until September 2.
A parade featuring 55 floats representing 21 southern and neighbouring provinces will serve as the festival's centrepiece. Iconic southern fruits like pomelo, dragon fruit, lychee, and durian are all expected to be showcased.
The 5th Safe and Delicious Fruit Contest will be held as part of the festival, attracting 550 artisanal participants from 16 cities and provinces.
The contest aims to encourage using the latest agricultural technology to produce high quality fruit varieties and secure lucrative business partners.
Fruit gastronomy art demonstrations and cuisine, folk games, and fruit-themed cultural performances will also be organised.
La Quoc Khanh "head of the festival's organising board and Deputy Director of the HCMC Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism" said organisers will coordinate with travel agencies to attract the attention of foreign visitors and promote the reputable trademarks of southern fruit.