CẦN THƠ — Hundreds of floral lanterns of different sizes lit up the second annual “Hoa đăng Ninh Kiều” (Floral Lanterns at Ninh Kiều Harbour) Festival’s opening ceremony held Thursday night in Cửu Long (Mekong) Delta city of Cần Thơ.

The night included performances featuring songs and dances praising the beauty of the country and Cần Thơ City.

Dương Tấn Hiển, chairman of the municipal People’s Committee, said the festival marked the 73rd anniversary of the August Revolution (August 19) and National Day (September 2), and celebrated the 60^th anniversary of the establishment of the Ninh Kiều Harbour (August 4).

Hiển said: “It is an opportunity to promote tourism at Ninh Kiều Harbour and introduce Ninh Kiều District’s multi-faceted achievements in the cause of building the district into the heart of Cần Thơ City.

The festival’s highlight is a lantern display on Khai Luông Canal from the Đi Bộ (Pedestrian) Bridge to Ninh Kiều Harbour.

The display features two huge dragon-shaped lanterns, and 60 big lotus-shaped lanterns representing the 60^th anniversary.

Each lantern provides information on the city’s landscapes, destinations, and tourism products.

The festival also includes a fair showcasing the city’s signature tourism products, and an exhibition called “Ninh Kiều – Cần Thơ’s Most Visited Destination”  featuring books, photos and calligraphy.

There will be tài tử music performances in the streets and a boat racing contest on Rạch Luông Canal as well.

The organisers have launched a boat tour along the canal from August 10-12.

This year’s Hoa Đăng Ninh Kiều (Floral Lanterns at Ninh Kiều Harbour) Festival is expected to attract 5,000 tourists. — VNS