A performance of tài tử music at the special commemorative programme to celebrate the 49th anniversary of the day Sài Gòn – Gia Định was officially named after President Hồ Chí Minh (1976-2025), held at Nguyễn Huệ Street until July 1. VNA/VNS Photo by Thu Hương

HCM CITY — A special commemorative programme of cultural and artistic activities is being held in downtown HCM City to celebrate the 49th anniversary of the renaming of Sài Gòn – Gia Định after President Hồ Chí Minh in 1976.

The event, organised by the municipal People’s Committee, also marks the 326th founding anniversary of Sài Gòn – Chợ Lớn – Gia Định.

Highlights include an exhibition featuring photos and videos about the establishment and development of Sài Gòn – Chợ Lớn – Gia Định – HCM City, as well as the city’s achievements in economy, society, culture, and international integration.

  The programme also presents tài tử music performances by artists from traditional art troupes in the city and neighbouring provinces. 

Tài tử music is a traditional form considered the prototype for vọng cổ (nostalgic tunes) and cải lương (reformed opera) of southern Việt Nam. The art form was initiated more than 100 years ago. It was recognised as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2013.

The event includes water puppet performances and a folk game zone.

An exhibition showcasing new agricultural models and OCOP (one commune one product) products has also been set up.

Delegates and visitors view photos at the exhibition highlighting the establishment and development of Sài Gòn – Chợ Lớn – Gia Định – HCM City. VNA/VNS Photo by Thu Hương

Nguyễn Văn Dũng, Vice Chairman of the HCM City People’s Committee, said at the opening ceremony on Friday night that the commemorative programme aims to promote the tradition of building the country and the city, as well as turning HCM City into a developed, dynamic, creative, modern and civilised city characterised with kindness.

He said the event also marks a transformation and a turning point in the development history of urban areas in Việt Nam. It was a major reconfiguration of the city, in which the three regional growth poles of HCM City, Bình Dương and Bà Rịa-Vũng Tàu converged into a megacity.

The event is being held at Nguyễn Huệ Pedestrian Street in District 1 until July 1. It is expected to attract thousands of visitors. — VNS