A river festival opened on August 4 in Ho Chi Minh City for the first time, with a series of cultural and entertainment activities related to the city’s waterways for locals and tourists.
The three-day river festival aims to preserve and promote the city’s culture and history, and make use of its waterways to boost the economy and tourism (Photo: VNA)
HCM City (VNA) - A river festival opened on August 4 in Ho Chi Minh City for the first time, with a series of cultural and entertainmentactivities related to the city’s waterways for locals and tourists.
The three-day river festival aims to preserve and promote the city’s cultureand history, and make use of its waterways to boost the economy and tourism, inorder to build the city’s brand as a culturally rich riverside urban area.
Addressing the opening ceremony, Chairman of the municipal People’s CommitteePhan Van Mai highlighted that the city’s rivers are an important part of theover 300 years of development of Sai Gon - Cho Lon - Gia Diịnh - HCM City.Wharves, traditional craft villages, and markets along the rivers and canalshave grown over the years, helping to form a unique identity for the region.
There are stalls selling local cuisine, fruits and specialties along Nhieu Loc –Thi Nghe Canal (the section between Dien Bien Phu and Thi Nghe bridges) in District1 and Binh Dong Wharf in District 8.
There are also river boat tours, art performances in the evening, andactivities that recreate the lives and culture of the locals of Sai Gon – Cho Lon– Gia Dinh – HCM City in the past.
The Bach Dang Wharf in District 1 features a traditional boat race (withparticipants from across HCM City and other provinces), and fun traditionalfolk games.
The Bach Dang Wharf and Nhieu Loc Canal also offer visually exciting watersportperformances such as flyboards, water canoes, and boat sailing.
A key feature of the festival is Sai Gon – Dong Song Ke Chuyen (Sai Gon - Talesof the River), a real-scene art performance to be held at 8pm on August 6 onthe Sai Gon River, which combines traditional stage materials with modern soundand light effects, creating unique experiences for viewers.
It will use 3D technology, a water music system and high power laser lights,among other modern twists, and features nearly 700 performers and artisans./.
The first Ho Chi Minh City river festival will be held from August 4-6, with the aim of boosting local tourism, according to a plan issued by the municipal People’s Committee.
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The three-day river festival aims to preserve and promote the city’s culture and history, and make use of its waterways to boost the economy and tourism (Photo: VNA) 
