As a distinctive cultural and tourism event of the city, the festival honors the traditional Vietnamese Ao dai (traditional long dress) while promoting the image of a dynamic, modern and culturally rich metropolis to domestic and international visitors.

The program opens on March 6 with “Ao Dai Road,” an exhibition and interactive space dedicated to the traditional costume at Nguyen Hue Walking Street. The official opening ceremony will follow at 6 p.m. the same day along the section of Nguyen Hue between Ngo Duc Ke and Mac Thi Buoi streets.

An Ao dai-themed art performance is scheduled for March 7 at the Ho Chi Minh President Monument Park and Nguyen Hue Walking Street.

March 8 marks the peak of the festival’s activities, beginning at 7 a.m. with a ceremony commemorating the 1,986th anniversary of the Hai Ba Trung Uprising and the 116th anniversary of International Women’s Day, combined with a mass folk dance performance featuring the ao dai.

In addition, a Viet traditional costume parade and Ao dai procession will depart from 92 Nguyen Hue and proceed to the main stage at the monument park.

Highlights also include the final round of the Ho Chi Minh City “Charming Ao Dai” contest and the award ceremony for the online “Beautiful Ao Dai Photo” competition, both scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on March 8 in the festival’s central area.

The festival will conclude with a seminar titled “Ao Dai among Consuls General, their spouses and international students studying in Ho Chi Minh City,” to be held on March 18 at the Ao Dai Museum.

Thousands to join Vietnam Ao Dai Week for International Women's Day celebration

VOV.VN - Thousands of women across Vietnam will dress up in Ao Dai (traditional long dress) in support of Vietnam Ao Dai Week from March 1 to 8 as they celebrate the 116th anniversary of International Women’s Day.