Tambores de San Millan (Drummers from San Millan) will kick off the Venezuelan Cultural Week in Vietnam on April 13.

The band will perform folk music and dances of the Latin American country.

Ten artists will give performances at the Workers' Theatre in Hanoi on April 13 and at the Opera House in Hai Phong on April 14.

Established in 1976, Tambores de San Millan is a folk revival group with the aim to better the position of blacks in society and protect the endangered arts.

In 1992, the band was awarded the Casa del Tambor (House of the Drum) and declared "cultural heritage of the state of Carabobo". A local author wrote the band "Drums, just drums... this is the rescue of African heritage".

A local rhythm has taken the name of the group: to play sanmillanero means to execute a drum-song in the style of the band, San Millan. Through their performance in many foreign countries, the band promotes community activities, prevents social evils and combats discrimination.

The culture week from April 13-17 is being organised by the Venezuelan Embassy and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

A photo exhibition entitled Devotees of Grace, opening on April 13, will feature about 20 colour photos (65cm by 80cm) taken by Laila Saab Chemekh, from the state of Zulia.

The digital photos of the magic of Barlovento culture were produced over three years from 2005 with the use of various editing techniques, among which were collage, transparencies, textures and colour.

The exhibition will be held at the Vietnam Culture and Art Centre, Hoa Lu Street , from April 13-17.-VNA