Festival brings merriment to ancient city
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Festivities: Thien Ha Thai Binh (Peaceful World) was staged on Thursday at the Hue Festival. — VNA/VNS Photos Thanh Ha
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| Sharing culture: Foreign tourists play music for local people on Thanh Toan tiled bridge. |
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THUA THIEN-HUE — The arts are a major feature of this year's Hue Festival, according to Ngo Hoa, head of the organising board.
"Arts have been brought close to the public," he said. "People are the subject and inspiration of every festival."
Nearly 65,000 tourists, including more than 30,000 foreigners, have so far attended the Hue Festival 2012, which started from April 7.
Numerous local and international art shows are taking place on more than 15 stages in Hue City and other sites across the province.
Artists also visited Hue Central Hospital to entertain patients this year.
American musician Mary McBride and her five-member group performed a short concert for the patients and staff at the hospital.
Although most patients did not speak English, they were attracted by the sweet and harmonious melodies that helped them forget their pain for a while, McBride said.
Tran Anh Ty, a patient from Huong Tra District, said this was the first time he had enjoyed live music.
"Although I'm in pain, listening to the songs and music makes me feel happy," he said.
Hospital director Bui Duc Phu said: "I was moved when the artists came to the hospital."
Among the events were a number of art performances on Thanh Toan tiled bridge in Huong Thuy District, 8km from Hue centre.
The festival at Thanh Toan Village, which ended on Tuesday, also included traditional boat races and an exhibition of agricultural and handicrafts.
The festival ends tomorrow. — VNS