HCM CITY — Dozens of cultural programmes in HCM City will be organised to celebrate the 128^th birthday of former President Hồ Chí Minh (May 19).  

One of the highlights will be Vùng Đất Rồng Bay (Land of Dragon), a music and poetry show featuring veteran and young singers and poets from 24 districts in the city.

Organised by the HCM City Youth Cultural House, the event on Saturday will feature songs, dances and poems in praise of the country, HCM City and Uncle Hồ.

During the event, the city’s Youth Union will offer certificates and gifts to young people who have achieved results in study, work and charity activities.    

In a separate programme, several hundred young workers and students in the city will attend a traditional music concert, Tôi Yêu Đờn Ca Tài Tử (I Love Tài Tử Music), where tài tử (a genre of southern music) and cải lương ( reformed opera) will be performed  

Audiences will also learn about the arts through talks by professional performers of traditional art troupes in the city and southern provinces.

The city’s Youth Union and its partners on Sunday will launch a street festival featuring art shows.

The artists will offer circus and puppet shows in the morning at Phạm Ngọc Thạch Street, while music and song programmes will be staged in the evening at the Youth Cultural House.

The Hồ Chí Minh Museum Branch and War Remnants Museum are offering special exhibitions focusing on the President, his life and revolutionary career. Many photos of historic events and objects are on display. The exhibitions will run to June 10.    

An outdoor cultural performance, Thành Phố Mang Tên Bác (Hồ Chí Minh City - The City Named after the President), offered by the city government will open on Saturday night at Nguyễn Huệ Pedestrian Street. 

"I want to send my love and respect to Uncle Hồ who dedicated his life to the country and people," said young singer Nguyễn Thúy Hằng of Hồ Chí Minh City Women Cultural House, who will perform folk songs at Thành Phố Mang Tên Bác.

Hồ Chí Minh City Television (HTV) will broadcast special programmes this weekend featuring reports and talks by veteran soldiers and officials who will share their memories of Uncle Hồ. — VNS