The troupe from Đan Phượng District performs a dance. — VNA/VNS Photos Trọng Đạt

HÀ NỘI — Thousands of people flocked to Lý Thái Tổ Garden by Hoàn Kiếm Lake yesterday to enjoy a colourful dragon dance.

The Dragon Dance Festival is one of a series of art and cultural activities being held in Hà Nội to celebrate the 65th Liberation Day (October 10). 

The event this year engaged troupes from 15 districts. In colourful costumes, each team competed with an independent performance of dragons or the four celestial animals: tortoise, kylin, phoenix, and dragon. 
 

Each dance was accompanied by traditional music performed on drums and castanets.

The participants showcased the beauty this folk dance to the public, said Bùi Thị Thu Hiền, vice director of the Hà Nội Department of Culture and Sports. 

The festival attracted thousands of people.

“The dragon dance is special and performed at traditional festivals and celebrations. The dragon is a symbol in Vietnamese culture representing strength and solemnity. The dance also expresses the warrior spirit of Vietnamese people.”

The troupe from Thanh Oai District.

“The festival aims to entertain and introduce this traditional cultural event to domestic and foreign visitors to Hà Nội, enhancing people’s awareness on preserving and promoting cultural values that have lasted through the generations.”