Culture - Sports

Hoi An rings in new year with gala

Cultural activities and art performances to celebrate the New Year will take place next week in downtown Hoi An in the south-central province of Quang Nam.
Cultural activities and art performances to celebrate the New Year willtake place next week in downtown Hoi An in the south-central province ofQuang Nam.

Nguyen Phuc Chu Street, along with a section ofNguyen Hoang Street and An Hoi statue garden, will turn into a festivesite for the Hoi An Welcomes New Year 2015 evening gala.

Allactivities will take place from 4pm on December 31 to 1am on January1.Food stalls featuring typical dishes prepared by famous restaurantsand food shops from Hoi An Ancient Town will be open throughout thefestival.

Foreign bands will kick off the performances, followedby a flash mob by local youths, which festivalgoers are encouraged tojoin. Next in the schedule comes a fashion show by YALY Couture, acompany highly recommended by TripAdvisor. As the clock strikesmidnight, spectacular street dances will draw participation from bothlocals and tourists.

In addition, there will be a specialceremony to welcome the 1.7 millionth visitor to Quang Nam on the mainstage at 9pm on New Year's Eve. There will be another ceremony towelcome the first visitor to Hoi An in 2015 at 8am on January 1.

HoiAn Ancient Town was an essential international trading port in the 17thcentury, where ships from Japan, China, and European countries dockedto exchange wares. Cultural exchange also took place, influencing thetown in ways that can still be seen to this day.-VNA
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