A myriad of cultural and artistic activities will be held in the framework of the Spring Festival of the Year of the Monkey, which will opens in Hanoi on January 20 (the 11th of the 12th lunar month) and last through February 5 (the 27th of the 12th lunar month).

Lao Cai's traditional market - Illustrative image.

A highlight will be the 2016 Fine Arts Exhibition, which introduces works of 19 outstanding painters and sculptors.

Concerts on the themes of Spring and the Party, which is holding the 12th National Congress as from January 20 and marks its foundation in early February, will be held with the participation of major art troupes and theatres in the country, such as the Vietnam National Song, Dance and Music Theatre, Tuoi Tre Theatre, Vietnam National Opera Ballet, and the Viet Bac Traditional Song, Dance and Music Theatre, among others.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said the festival will also bring quality products and specialties of enterprises and localities throughout the country to the public.

A Lao Cai traditional market will be created in the framework of the festival, where local farm and forestry produce will be sold and demonstrations of ethnic weaving and cooking held for visitors. Ethnic games and dances will also be part of the market.

On the occasion, exchanges for businesses, scholars and ethnic group representatives are to be held with the aim of finding ways to promote the strength of mountainous regions for tourism.

VNA