AsemconnectVietnam - The northern port city of Hai Phong on May 11 kicked off the 11th Red Flamboyant Festival and received the UNESCO certificate of recognisation for the Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago as the World Natural Heritage Site - the first inter-provincial heritage of Vietnam.

 As a significant socio-cultural and political event held annually in May in Hai Phong, dubbed as “The City of Red Flamboyant”, the festival aims to build up its reputation both domestically and internationally.

This year, a highlight of the festival is an art and music concert, the largest-scale art event ever held in the city with the performance of nearly 1,000 artists and popular singers.

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang, and representatives from provinces, cities and embassies of some countries and territories attended the event.

Speaking at the event, Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Nguyen Van Tung said that the 2024 festival is of great significance as the Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago located in Hai Phong city and the neighbour province of Quang Ninh has recently been recognised by UNESCO as a world natural heritage site, the first inter-provincial heritage of Vietnam.

The two localities will develop an action programme to preserve and maximise the value of the heritage.

Along with economic development, Hai Phong pays due attention to building cultural works, and spiritual and religious facilities. Currently, the city has 132 tangible and intangible cultural heritages recognised as national cultural heritage and 21 national treasures.

The historical traditions of the city and its people together with the honoured cultural heritage will be an important premise and motivation for the city to become one of the locomotives in the country's industrialisation and modernisation and a driving force for the country’s development.

Following the performance, a magnificent and astounding fireworks show lit up the port city's skyline, entertaining thousands of citizens and visitors.

The Hai Phong Red Flamboyant Festival 2024 also has 26 key events and 78 activities taking place across the city./.

Source: VNA