Paris spotlights traditional festivals

A spot of culture: A visitor views photos at an exhibition that explores traditional Vietnamese culture and festivals. The exhibition is being held at the Vietnamese Culture Centre in Paris. — VNS Photo

PARIS — An exhibition of 80 photos of traditional Vietnamese traditional is taking place at theVietnamese Culture Centre in Paris, organised by the Vietnamese community in France to celebrate the 122nd birthday of the late President Ho Chi Minh.

The photos are all winners of national or international prizes and give viewers an opportunity to travel vicariously to the Hung Kings Festival in Phu Tho Province, the Buffalo Fight Festival in Vinh Phuc Province, and the Elephant Festival in the Central Highlands.

"The exhibition present to the French people, the Vietnamese community in France and international friends typical images of traditional cultural festivals of different ethnic groups in Viet Nam," said Nguyen Trung Nhat, deputy director of the Department of Fine Arts and Photography under the Vietnamese Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

"The show also aims to present the creative talents of Vietnamese photographers and promote cultural exchanges between the two countries," said Nhat.

Vietnamese Culture Centre director Le Hong Chuong also said that the event would contribute to increasing French knowledge about Viet Nam and to promote Vietnamese tourism.

The opening of the exhibition included performances of traditional music, presented by children of second- and third-generation of Vietnamese living in France. Songs about President Ho Chi Minh particularly touched the audience.

"On the occasion of his birthday, I want to express my respect and gratitude to Uncle Ho," said a performer, Nguyen Minh Hanh.

When the exhibition concludes in late June, the photo collection will be given to the Vietnamese Culture Centre. — VNS