Lang Sen Festival 2016, which will celebrate late President Ho Chi Minh’s 126th birthday, will officially kick off on May 17 in Vinh City and Kim Lien Commune with a variety of activities.

The festival creates an occasion for Vietnamese nationwide to pay their tribute and respect to Uncle Ho, who is considered the nation’s preeminent hero and culturist.

The event also aims to promote his philosophies, introduce the province’s unique cultural features to both domestic and international friends, and satisfy the demand of local people to create and enjoy cultural values.

This year’s Lang Sen Festival will be celebrated at the provincial level with the theme Honouring Late President Ho Chi Minh, praising the hometown Nghe An: Integration and Development. Many events will be organised, notably traditional games and cultural activities related to Uncle Ho’s life.

On May 17, a procession carrying the late President’s photo will start in Ho Chi Minh Square and end in his hometown in Kim Lien Commune. On the same day, the opening ceremony of the festival will be held at Lang Sen Stadium.

The Lang Sen Singing Festival will run May 17-19, along with a variety of traditional games, film screenings and exhibitions on Uncle Ho’s life and career within the province.

Another highlight of the festival is a beauty contest, a new addition to this year’s event.

According to Pham Tien Dung, the Deputy Director of Nghe An Province’s Department of Culture, Tourism and Sports, Lang Sen Festival is a cultural event of crucial importance to the province because it is where President Ho Chi Minh grew up.

Many relevant departments within the province have thoroughly prepared for the special occasion in order to make it successful and leave a good impression on visitors.

VNA