An exhibition of photographs featuring traditional Vietnamese festivals has opened in the Vietnamese Cultural Centre in France .

Jointly organised by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism’s Department of Fine Arts, Photography and Exhibitions and the Vietnamese Cultural Centre in France , the exhibition is one of many activities being held to celebrate the 122 nd anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh’s birth.

The exhibition includes more than 80 photos of traditional festivals in Vietnam such as the Hung Kings Temple Festival in northern Phu Tho province, the Buffalo Fighting Festival in Vinh Phuc province, My Son Festival in Quang Nam province and the Elephant Festival in the Central Highlands .

The photos depict the rituals, faiths, customs and life styles in different parts of Vietnam . They were selected from a selection of top Vietnamese photographers, who have won awards at competitions both in and outside of the country.

When speaking at the event, Nguyen Trung Nhat, the department’s Director said that the exhibition will enable French people, the Vietnamese community in France and international friends understand more about the country’s different cultures and the traditional festivals held by Vietnamese ethnic groups.

According to Le Hong Chuong, Director of the Vietnamese Cultural Centre in France , it will promote Vietnamese culture and encourage tourists from France and across Europe to visit the country.

During the event, a number of Vietnamese students currently studying in France entertained visitors with a concert of traditional songs and music.-VNA