Long Bien Bridge Festival 2010 starts

Hundreds of people participated in the opening ceremony of the Long Bien Bridge Festival 2010 held this morning at the historical Long Bien Bridge.
After the opening ceremony, participants, including representatives from 70 embassies and international organizations in Hanoi, joined a walk for peace under the theme “Memory” and “Dream”.
Paintings by both Vietnamese and international painters of Long Bien Bridge, at different moments and periods, are being hung along the bridge, the symbol of strong will for peace and freedom.
These paintings and photos of Hanoi in the past provide spectators with the culture of the Capital of Hanoi through different dynasties.
Furthermore, young artists in traditional costumes will be featured as part of the history of Hanoi. Other activities, such as a bicycle parade, artistic programs, and traditional music performances will take place during the festival.
Participants can also enjoy the unique flavors of a variety of dishes of Vietnam.
On Hanoi’s 1,000th birthday this year, the Long Bien Bridge Festival 2010, under the theme “Dragon Bridge tells story of Hanoi-Vietnam: Peace-Integration-Development”, is seen as a gift to Hanoi and in response to the National Tourism Year in Hanoi as well as the ASEAN chairmanship of Vietnam in 2010.
Notably, all proceeds earned from various activities during the two-day festival will be sent to support flood-hit-victims in the Central provinces.