HONG KONG — Vietnamese communities in Macau, Hong Kong, introduced the Asian Ethnic Cultural Performances 2016 with a number of special dances imbued with the Vietnamese cultural identity.

The event, which showcases the vibrancy of ethnic Asian cultures, was staged at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza on Sunday.

Programme highlights included an aboriginal dance performance by the Nunukul Yuggera Aboriginal Dancers from Australia, traditional Yosakoi and sword dance performances by Wa mono Live Nippon!! from Japan and traditional Persian music played by Iran’s Vaziri Music Group.

Vietnamese non-professional dancers impressed the audiences with the Ô (Umbrella), Sạp (Bamboo) and Nón (Conical Hats) dances.

The Asian Ethnic Cultural Performances 2016 also presented the cultures of 16 other Asian countries and territories and ASEAN nations, including Hong Kong, Macau, Japan and India, as well as the Republic of Korea, Nepal, Bangladesh and the Philippines. Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia were also represented.

Besides traditional dances, visitors had the chance to enjoy a series of extension activities, including ethnic arts and crafts and traditional costume displays, food demonstrations and dance workshops, to experience the customs and cultures of distant places.

Annually presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department of Hong Kong since 2010, the event aims to promote cultural exchange by showcasing traditional ethnic music and dance performances by Asians residing in Hong Kong.

Additionally, it is expected to promote mutual solidarity and understanding among the people of different countries and cultures, oriented towards the common goal of building a peaceful, civilised and prosperous world. — VNS