Vietnam holds first carnival

Carnival Vietnam, the first ever held in the largely Buddhist country, kicked off in Ho Chi Minh City on March 16 with a procession of 200 university students.

Masks carried different images of the Vietnamese culture such as a five-colour peacock and dragons and fairies representing the legendary national ancestors.

Vietnam's cultural identity was also showcased through traditional costumes designed by art students.

Through the festival, organisers said they wanted to show Vietnamese audiences the entire process of a carnival, which they heard about and watched many times through mass media.

The organisers also expected that the three-day event would highlight Vietnamese cultural images for foreign visitors through the shows of costumes, foods and make-up.

In addition to 20 huge masks on display, artists from all parts of the country expect to impress visitors with their own special designs carrying the Vietnamese cultural identity, through a design contest.

World dances, including Flamenco, Waltzes and Tango, are expected to draw the participation of foreigners and help diversify the festive environment from traditional arts such as magic shows, circuses and dragon and lion dances.

(Source: VNA)