VietNamNet Bridge – The National Tourism Year in Coastal Central Region and the Hue Festival 2012 opened at the Ngo Mon Square in the ancient capital city of Hue, on the evening of April 7.

PM Nguyen Tan Dung, his wife, Deputy PM of Laos Somsavath Lengsavath, many high-ranking officials of Vietnam, 25 ambassadors and consuls general attended the ceremony, with 20,000 visitors.

The Hue Festival 2012--with the theme “Cultural Heritage-Rendezvous with Historic Cities” is being held between April 7th to 15th, and the biennial event, the seventh of its kind, is an important cultural and tourist festival.

A range of events are scheduled, including exhibitions of fine art, and numerous other cultural activities that highlight Vietnam’s unique cultural identity.

This, in combination with an extensive selection of international artists will undoubtedly promote tourism and socio-economic development.

According to the organizing board, the festival has put together a fascinating collection of outstanding Vietnamese artists, especially Hue’s Royal Court art and other characteristics from Vietnam and countries overseas.

This year’s event has attracted over 40 different groups of performers from nearly 30 countries.

The festival also includes a religious ceremony at Nam Giao platform, which is a traditional place of worship.

There will also be a showcase of traditional costumes from several other Asian countries.

Major events at the Hue Festival 2012:

-    Nam Giao ritual ceremony at 8pm, April 8 at Nam Giao Platform
-    Ao Dai festival at 8pm, April 9
-    Royal Night on the evening of April 10 to 13 at the royal palace
-    Drum and percussion festival at 3pm of April 10 and 14 at Nghinh Luong Dinh.
-    The closing ceremony at 8pm, April 15 at Ky Dai-Phu Van Lau.

Pictures of the opening ceremony:



PV