NGHỆ AN – Làng Sen Festival 2016, which will celebrate late President Hồ Chí Minh’s 126^th birthday, will officially kick off tomorrow in Vinh City and Kim Liên Commune with a variety of activities.

The festival creates an occasion for Vietnamese nationwide to pay their tribute and respect to Uncle Hồ, who is considered the nation’s preeminent hero and culturist.

The event also aims to promote his philosophies, introduce the province’s unique cultural features to both domestic and international friends, and satisfy the demand of local people to create and enjoy cultural values.

This year’s Làng Sen Festival will be celebrated at the provincial level with the theme Honouring Late President Hồ Chí Minh, praising the hometown Nghệ An: Integration and Development. Many events will be organised, notably traditional games and cultural activities related to Uncle Hồ’s life.

On Tuesday, a procession carrying the late President’s photo will start in Hồ Chí Minh Square and end in his hometown in Kim Liên Commune. On the same day, the opening ceremony of the festival will be held at Làng Sen Stadium.

The Làng Sen Singing Festival will run May 17-19, along with a variety of traditional games, film screenings and exhibitions on Uncle Hồ’s life and career within the province.

Another highlight of the festival is a beauty contest, a new addition to this year’s event.

According to Phạm Tiến Dũng, the deputy director of Nghệ An Province’s Department of Culture, Tourism and Sports, Làng Sen Festival is a cultural event of crucial importance to the province because it is where President Hồ Chí Minh grew up.
Many relevant departments within the province have thoroughly prepared for the special occasion in order to make it successful and leave a good impression on visitors. VNS