Come together: Vietnamese youth watch an Indonesian artist perform a Topeng dance (mask dance) during a public event in HCM City. Ornately costumed performers wear masks and interpret traditional narratives about fabled kings, heroes and myths, accompanied by gamelan music. — VNS Photo Van Dat

HCM CITY — Fantastic dance performances by Indonesian artists and Vietnamese students on Saturday at HCM City's Youth Cultural House kicked off a week-long cultural festival in HCM City.

Vietnamese youth enjoyed an exciting atmosphere with traditional music, dance and fashion shows about Indonesian national and traditional dress. Short quizzes were held to test attendees' knowledge of the country.

Besides Indonesian food and drink, Vietnamese youth were invited to join the dancers and taught simple traditional movements.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Indonesian Consul General Bambang Tarsanto said the event brought Vietnamese youngsters a miniature Indonesia with diversified and special cultural features.

"I hope participants can learn about the atmosphere of Indonesia and feel what it's like being in the country," he said.

Indonesia Day titled Glorious Bali was held for the second time in Vi?t Nam to introduce the cultural diversity and wonderful tourist destinations of Indonesia to the public, with several photos exhibited at the cultural house until this Sunday.

The Glorious Bali event is held by the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia and supported by the Indonesian community in HCM City in co-operation with the HCM City Union of Friendship Organisation and HCM City Youth Cultural House.

The event aims to promote Indonesia's culture and to, bring Vietnamese and Indonesian people closer, particularly in the context of the ASEAN Community 2015, according to the Indonesian Consulate General in HCM City.

An Indonesian Cultural Day was held for the first time in the city on April 17 last year. — VNS