This year’s theme is “The Colours of Quang Ninh – Convergence and Continuation”, featuring the traditional ethnic minority cultures.
The Dao ethnic group from Bang Ca commune, Hoanh Bo district, performed folk dances at the carnival’s opening ceremony to ask the gods for fine weather, good health and a prosperous, fortunate life.
Scenic landscapes were also conjured through each song sung by famous local singers Ho Quynh Huong, Hoang Tung, Tan Nhan, and Ha Hoai Thu.
In addition to the opening ceremony, the carnival includes stage performances and a parade which attracted nearly 5,000 amateur and professional actors and actresses, as well as a number of art troupes from China, the Republic of Korea and Laos.
Quang Ninh Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism Deputy Director, Hoang Quoc Thai, said the event aims to promote the province and encourage tourists form home and abroad to visit the province and learn more about its colourful local cultures.
Some VOV photos of the opening ceremony:
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| Spectacular dances open the 2013 Ha Long Carnival |
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| Dragon dance |
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| Lions symbolize the strength of the local people |
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| Charming girls at the festival |
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| Birds of peace - a symbol of the 2013 Ha Long Carnival |
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| Performances by ethnic groups in Quang Ninh province |
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| A boat race |
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| Wrestling |
