The event, organised by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and Hanoi People’s Committee, is the first in a series of cultural, sport and tourist activities to celebrate the 1000th anniversary of Thang Long-Hanoi.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Huynh Vinh Ai said the cultural exchange festival aims to introduce special cultural characters of different areas and regions to people throughout the country and foreigners.

The event is also an opportunity to advertise Vietnam’s potential in cultural, trade and tourism development and mark the 54th liberation day of the capital (October 10, 2008).

Experiences from the organisation of this festival will be useful for organising ethnic cultural exchange festival in localities nationwide and promoting cultural activities across the country, particularly in areas inhabited by ethnic minority people.

Main activities in the festival included the performance of typical traditional arts, traditional dress shows, folk games, presentation of culinary culture and products of traditional craft villages.

Artists and artisans from 20 cultural and fine art troupes of provinces and cities gave their special performances in the opening ceremony such as Gong performances of the Muong group in the northern region and ethnic groups in the Central Highlands, drum dance, and “quan ho” singing.

The festival will run until October 9, 2008.