Vietnamese village

‘Voluptuous sea dragon’ makes a splash - Vietnamese village

Viet Nam’s rich marine culture was highlighted as the country joined 24 others at the Fete Maritime Internationale Brest 2008 that opened yesterday in the western coastal city of Brest, France.

"A country of dreams, with more than 3,000km of coast, Viet nam stretches from north to south like a voluptuous sea dragon," said the festival’s website.

"Proud of its traditions that span a millennium, but open to its future, the ancient country with hundreds of thousands of rice fields has come to Brest."

The coastal city of Hai Phong was chosen to represent Viet Nam in the week-long festival, the biggest of its kind in Europe.

Viet Nam is among five honorary countries invited to the festival. Like other invited countries, Viet Nam hjas a village with exhibits, stalls, perform-ances, reproductions, music, song and dance all next to its flotillas.

"The event has a particular meaning for us," said Pham Ba Thu, director of the Department of Foreign Affairs of Hai phong city "

"After six months of preparations, the Vietnamese troupe wants to promote the image of Viet Nam and Hai Phong, and improve relations with countries known for their developed sea economy."

Vietnamese join parade

Yesterday was the day of the "Vietnamese village," where the country’s traditional boats and junks took part in a nautical parade. Vietnamese artists also performed at the local Cabaret of l’Heliport.

At the village, women in ao dai (traditional dress) and wearing non la (palm conical hat) performed at the show, as the public could try their hand at making the country’s signature boat basket. Along with various exhibits on Vietnamese maritime culture, craft workshops on silk painting, lacquer and ceramics were held.

The exhibits and shows were presented by the city of Hai Phong, including a dance, music and traditional costumes show with the Hai Phong Traditional Orchestra. Musicians from the Central Highlands performed traditional music of flute, t’rung, dan bau (monochord), tam thap luc (36-strings zither).

A highlight of the show was the water puppetry of Hai Phong that goes back nearly a century, performed daily by 30 artists.

Riot of colour

A village restaurant serves culinary specialities of the various Vietnamesse regions, presenting a riot of colours and flavours.

Characteristic dished being served include pho (noodles), bun bo Hue (Hue styled vermicelli and beef), banh cuon (steamed rolled rice pancake) and nem (spring rolls).

A Vietnamese flotilla of junks, baskets and dragons boats, includes a massive 10m-long junkand three dragon boats with 12 rowers. Since 1992, the international maritime festival of Brest has been held every four years and attracts millions of tourists and delegations.

This year, 2,000 sail boats from 25 countries, 15,000 seamen and 2,000 performers, musicians and artists are attending.

Brest 2008 will continue until next Friday. Throughout the week, visitors can expect animated flotillas navigating from morning to evening.

Visitors can go on board of the boats and even embark to sail. A fireworks display and nocturnal nautical parade closes the festival daily.

(Source: VNS)

Tag: Ao Dai , Culture , Festival , Hue , International , Tour , Tourist , Viet Nam , Vietnam , Vietnamese , Women

‘Voluptuous sea dragon’ makes a splash - Vietnamese village

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