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Delegates at the opening ceremony of the festival |
Vice State President Vo Thi Anh Xuan, and representatives from foreign diplomatic agencies and offices and international organizations were among distinguished guests.
Addressing the opening ceremony, Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Nguyen Van Duoc emphasized that ao dai is not only a costume, but also a cultural symbol and the soul of the nation of Vietnam. It is closely attached to the history and the beauty of Vietnamese women.
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Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Nguyen Van Duoc speaks at the event. |
The city’s leader said that this festival continues to be a typical cultural event where traditional beauty and dynamic and creative living pace of the city are blended.
He spoke highly of the significance of this festival which takes place to mark the 1985th anniversary of the Hai Ba Trung (Trung Sisters) Uprising, a symbol of the indomitable will and patriotism of Vietnamese women; the 115th anniversary of the International Women's Day (March 8, 1910 - 2025) to honor the great contribution of Vietnamese women in national construction and development cause; and towards the 50th anniversary of the South Liberation and National Reunification Day (April 30, 1975 - 2025).
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An art performance at the opening ceremony |
At the opening ceremony, audience were entertained with a typical artistic program with different topics, namely “Ao dai and river songs,” “Ao dai and remarkable journeys,” and “Colorful Vietnamese ao dai.”
According the organizers, highlights of this year’s festival include the engagement of 30 celebrities acting as the event’s ambassadors, and the unique collections of 53 talented designers nationwide, which feature typical cultural quintessence of Vietnam in general and Ho Chi Minh City in particular.
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Vice State President Vo Thi Anh Xuan (fourth from left) presents flowers to the festival’s ambassadors. |
With a series of activities, the festival, which lasts until March 9, is expected to bring unforgettable experiences to both local people and visitors, helping spread the love for and pride of Vietnamese ao dai.
Translated by Mai Huong