*** Thousands of fishermen in Pho Thanh commune, Duc Pho district, central Quang Ngai province, launched a fish catching festival on February 19.

Local fishermen launch the annual festival in the hope of having a good haul, avoiding natural disasters, strongly developing the aquaculture industry and preserving their distinctive cultural practice.

Despite the soaring prices of oil and unfavourable weather conditions, fishermen in Pho Thanh commune caught more than 26,000 tonnes of aquatic products last year, surpassing the yearly target of 8.3 percent. About one third of the total volume was for export.

The commune built more than 30 fishing vessels and repaired hundreds of others last year, bringing the total number of its fishing vessels to 564, with three fourths for off-shore fishing.

In 2007 it set a target of netting 31,000 tonnes of aquatic products, including more than 10,000 tonnes for export.

*** Despite firework display limits, tens of thousands of local people in the northern mountainous city of Lao Cai converged on the municipal square on New Year’s Eve to witness the transitional timing from the old to the new year and enjoy a special art programme performed by the Lao Cai provincial folk art troupe.  

Thanks to favourable weather conditions, the tourist resort of Sa Pa and Bac Ha market were the most attractive destinations to visitors, particularly foreigners. Local people from Lao Cai province and the neighbouring border locality of China, Hei Khou, conducted a Tet exchange programme on the first and second days of the lunar New Year. 

*** A market-day festival was launched in Bich La village, Trieu Dong commune, Trieu Phong district of central Quang Tri province on February 19 (the third day of the lunar New Year). During the two-day festival, various folk games are being held, including human chess, good writing contest, bike racing, cock fighting and ornamental tree display. A fare-well party with art performances will end the festival on February 20.  

*** The 32-m long Banh Tet (the glutinous rice cake stuffed with green bean and pork) was cut off into pieces and offered to tourists and local people in the central coastal city of Nha Trang. This was the longest Banh Tet cooked by Yasaka-Sai Gon-Nha Trang hotel. The proceeds were handed over to charity funds.

Nha Trang will launch the third Sea Festival in April this year.