The Tenth Áo dài festival to kick off throughout March in HCM City. VNA/VNS Photo

HCM CITY - An annual Áo dài festival will take place in HCM City from March 7 to 17 with a wide range of cultural activities, the event’s organisers announced at a press conference held in HCM City on March 1. 

The festival, which is co-organised by the municipal Department of Tourism and the city Women’s Union, aims to promote the unique features of the traditional Vietnamese long dress and spread love for the outfit.

According to representatives of the Department of Tourism and the city's Women's Union, one of the highlights of this year's festival is that there will be more than 5,000 people from different ages and genders participating in the Áo dài performance.

According to Nguyễn Trần Phượng Trân, president of the city Women's Union, the festival is organized with a variety of unique activities, including an art program with the theme "Áo Dài - Colors of HCM City”; an exhibition and interaction space with áo dài; and an online Áo dài contest with the theme "Áo dài and 100 interesting things of HCM City".

This year, the Festival will feature more than 20 guests and celebrities active in many fields such as politics, economics, beauty queens, singers, actors, and travel bloggers as an image ambassador.

In addition, 30 designers are expected to introduce new áo dài collections.

Many activities relating to the festival will be held at historic and cultural relic sites and tourist destinations, aiming to promote HCM City as a safe destination with a fascinating daily life.

The event also aims to praise the charm and elegant beauty of the Áo dài. It is part of greater efforts to promote the city as a friendly, safe, and exciting tourist destination. VNS