HA NOI (VNS)— A drum performance by the Viet Nam Tuong (Classical Drama) Theatre last night in Ha Noi opened Viet Nam Family Festival 2013.

Under the theme of connecting love in Vietnamese families, the event will be held until June 28 at the Vietnamese Culture and Arts Exhibition Centre, 2 Hoa Lu Street, with a wide range of activities, including exhibitions, exchanges and art performances.

Hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the festival marks Viet Nam Family Day (June 28), part of the Viet Nam Year of Family 2013 launched in February by Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung.

Psychologists, consultants and outstanding families will share their experiences in maintaining and fostering the family happiness, educating children and protecting young families.

"Workshops and seminars on the subject are highlighted at the festival," said Department of Family director Tran Tuyet Anh.

A ceremony to honour outstanding cultural families among ethnic groups living in the capital will be held on June 27 while art performances will take place every night during the festival.

Parents and children will be entertained by a fair, games for families, a cooking class and book readings.

"Domestic violence is still popular among Vietnamese communities, it must be a sad reality," said Culture Deputy Minister Huynh Vinh Ai.— VNS