The event will start on April 5 with a photo exhibition held by Italian Ambassador to Vietnam Alfredo Matacotta Cordella and continue with an “Italian Seduction” fashion show and a “New Italian Horizon” film week. The official opening of the festival will take place on April 25 to mark Italian Deputy Foreign Minister’s visit to Hanoi.

In May, Piero Pelu, a renowned Italian rock star will come as the festival’s guest of honour to give a charitable performance together with Vietnamese rock bands. A wide range of activities are scheduled to be held from April to October, including a contemporary art exhibition by the Trento and Rovereto Museum, one of the most prestigious European museums, a concert by the famous Italian pianist Francesco Libetta, and Italian cuisine.

The Italian ambassador has expressed hope that through more than 40 activities, Vietnamese people will have a better understanding of Italia’s land, people and culture.

The festival will be co-organised by the Italian Embassy in Vietnam and the Italian Foreign Ministry with the help of the Italian Institute for Foreign Trade and the Vietnamese Ministry of Culture and Information.