Cherry blossom festival underway in Hanoi

Japanese artists arrange blossom branches at the festival. (Source: VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) – The cherry blossom festival kicked off at Ly Thai To Park, Hanoi, on March 10, attracting many visitors.

Prominent attendees at the opening ceremony included Secretary of the municipal Party Committee Hoang Trung Hai, Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Nguyen Duc Chung and Isao Iijima, a special advisor to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Addressing the ceremony, Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Nguyen Doan Toan said that the cultural exchange activities and cherry blossom festival in Hanoi aim to enhance mutual understanding and deepen the two countries’ extensive strategic partnership. It also promotes images and beauty of Japan to Hanoi’s people, he added.

On the occasion, Japan also presented a fire truck as a gift to Hanoi.

As many as 1,200 blossom branches and 50 cherry trees were on display, along with various types of flowers planted in Vietnam such as orchids and roses.

Several art performances featuring Vietnamese and Japanese artists were held at the event, along with a showcase of ao dai (Vietnamese traditional dress).

The festival is co-organised by the People’s Committee of Hanoi, the Wanokai International Culture Association (WICA) from Japan, and the AIC Company.

It runs until March 12.-VNA