Cần Thơ hosts floral lantern festival from August 10-12

CAN THO — Hundreds of floral lanterns of different sizes lit up the second annual “Hoa dang Ninh Kieu” (Floral Lanterns at Ninh Kieu Harbour) Festival’s opening ceremony held Thursday night in Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta city of Can Tho.

The night included performances featuring songs and dances praising the beauty of the country and Can Tho City.

Duong Tan Hien, chairman of the municipal People’s Committee, said the festival marked the 73rd anniversary of the August Revolution (August 19) and National Day (September 2), and celebrated the 60^th anniversary of the establishment of the Ninh Kieu Harbour (August 4).

Hien said: “It is an opportunity to promote tourism at Ninh Kieu Harbour and introduce Ninh Kieu District’s multi-faceted achievements in the cause of building the district into the heart of Can Tho City.

The festival’s highlight is a lantern display on Khai Luong Canal from the Di Bo (Pedestrian) Bridge to Ninh Kieu Harbour.

The display features two huge dragon-shaped lanterns, and 60 big lotus-shaped lanterns representing the 60^th anniversary.

Each lantern provides information on the city’s landscapes, destinations, and tourism products.

The festival also includes a fair showcasing the city’s signature tourism products, and an exhibition called “Ninh Kieu – Can Tho’s Most Visited Destination”  featuring books, photos and calligraphy.

There will be tai tu music performances in the streets and a boat racing contest on Rach Luong Canal as well.

The organisers have launched a boat tour along the canal from August 10-12.

This year’s Hoa Dang Ninh Kieu (Floral Lanterns at Ninh Kieu Harbour) Festival is expected to attract 5,000 tourists. — VNS