HONOURED HEROES - War veterans visit the exhibition “Tổ Quốc Bên Bờ Sóng” (The Country by the Edge of the Waves) on Nguyễn Huệ Pedestrian Street in District 1. VNA/VNS Photo by Thu Hương

HCM CITY – HCM City is introducing a series of cultural and tourism activities during the holidays that mark the 49th anniversary of Southern Liberation and National Reunification Day (April 30) and International Labour Day (May 1).

The city is collaborating with the Việt Nam Photographers’ Association to host two photo exhibitions titled Tổ Quốc Bên Bờ Sóng (The Country by the Edge of the Waves), and Thành Phố Hồ Chí Minh – Vì Cả Nước, Cùng Cả Nước (HCM City – For the Nation, With the Nation) on Nguyễn Huệ Pedestrian Street in District 1.

The “Tổ Quốc Bên Bờ Sóng” exhibition showcases 154 photos chosen from a photo contest highlighting Việt Nam’s seas and islands.

The photos feature the beauty and potential of Việt Nam’s seas and islands, and the people and soldiers living there, as well as highlight the guidelines and policies of the Party and the State.

Meanwhile, another exhibition displays 80 photos of soldiers and people during the resistance war that liberated the country in 1975.

On display are images of HCM City’s economic, social and cultural development.

Both exhibitions end on May 2.

ZOO FESTIVAL - The Sài Gòn Botanical Garden and Zoo hosts a food festival introducing 150 traditional dishes from different regions. Photo courtesy of the zoo

In addition, tourism areas and theatres in the city offer new programmes to serve residents and tourists during the five-day holiday.

The Sài Gòn Botanical Garden and Zoo is hosting a food festival introducing 150 traditional dishes from different regions until May 1.

The zoo also offers many activities for children such as health checks for elephants.

The Củ Chi Tunnels Historical Site will offer new tours and action sports activities for visitors during the holiday.

Among them is a tour called Trăng Chiến Khu (Moon at the Military Base) with activities such as learning about sand tables, and watching a 3D film about the resistance war.

The Phương Nam Art Troupe presents a new water puppet show named Anh Hùng Nguyễn Trung Trực (Hero Nguyễn Trung Trực)

The play portrays the career of national hero Nguyễn Trung Trực, who gathered local farmers to fight against the French colonialists in Tân An and Rạch Giá (now Kiên Giang Province) from 1861-1868.

The show takes place every Saturday and Sunday at Gia Định Park in Gò Vấp District.

The IDECAF Theatre will premiere the children’s play Cuộc Phiêu Lưu Của Thuyền Trưởng Sinbad – Huyền Thoại Mắt Thần (The Adventures of Sinbad – Legend of God’s Eyes) at Bến Thành Theatre in District 1 on April 30.

IDECAF continues to stage the historical play Tả Quân Lê Văn Duyệt (Field Marshal Lê Văn Duyệt) at Thanh Niên Theatre to serve audiences during the holiday. – VNS