Hundreds of young people from high schools, colleges and universities around Hà Nội participated in International Free Hug Day 2018. — Photo from the Facebook page Free Hugs Hà Nội

HÀ NỘI — The International Free Hugs Day 2019 (IFHD) will be held at Hà Nội Indochina Plaza in July 28 with participation of hundreds of volunteers.

This year, the event is themed 'View Yourself From Another Perspective', giving an opportunity for people to receive intimate hugs from others to convey a message of love and friendliness.

“We want to help young people to arouse the connection, love for the surrounding community through a small but meaningful action – hugs,” said Bạch Thị Bạch Liên, head of the organisers.

“Plus, exchanging and expressing feelings like hugs is still seen indifferently in Việt Nam which creates an invisible gap between people.”

This year, IFHD will focus small gestures and behaviours to connect people in a powerful way, as the modern technology-driven world can make people forget how to share emotions and become suspicious when opening their hearts, according to Liên. 

The main activities will include a flashmob dance, music show, photo exhibition and group games. The music show will feature bands from Chu Văn An High School, Nhân Chính High School and Lương Thế Vinh High School in Hà Nội. 

Indie band Sweap are also expected to perform.

At the event, young people will also have a chance to attend a talk show by guest speaker Lê Hoàng Dung, director of Halo Education Counseling Company. 

The Free Hugs Campaign was initiated in 2004 by Juan Mann in Australia. The event has spread to more than 80 countries, including Việt Nam, which has hosted the event annually since 2014.

It was held in HCM City last weekend. — VNS