By Kim Tan | dtinews.vn |
The 10 day celebration for Hanoi’s 1,000 year anniversary kicked off this morning, October 1, putting the city and its visitors in a festive mood with a wide range of activities.
Awakening Hanoi’s ancient heart beat with the opening of festivities
Top Vietnamese leaders and many distinguished international guests attended the opening ceremony on the side of Hoan Kiem Lake in the city’s centre.
National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Phu Trong lit the torch as a symbolic curtain-raising for the celebration.
In his opening speech, Pham Quang Nghi, Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee, expressed Vietnam’s gratitude towards their forefathers who made great sacrifices to protect and build a beautiful and culturally rich Hanoi.
UNESCO General Director Irina Bokova handed over a certificate recognising Hanoi’s Thang Long Citadel as a World Cultural Heritage Site to Hanoi’s leaders.
Bokova said she is honoured to be wearing the Vietnamese traditional dress, the ao dai, to attend the millennium anniversary.
After the opening ceremony, many festival activities were immediately started in many areas and stages around Hoan Kiem Lake.
In the next 10 days, over 50 events will be organised in many places around Hanoi.
UNESCO General Director Irina Bokova handed over a certificate recognising Hanoi’s Thang Long Citadel as a World Cultural Heritage Site to Hanoi’s leaders.
Shows were put on to kick off the 10 day celebration
