Thua Thien - Hue Vice Chairman Nguyen Dung said the programme aims to promote art exchanges among cultures and introduce unique values of the culture of Vietnam and Hue, thus boosting tourism growth and the local economy.
So far art troupes from 21 countries have registered to perform at the week-long event alongside domestic art delegations.
The festival this year will direct the spotlight on the city’s five world heritage items, namely the Hue Monuments Complex, Hue Royal Court Music, Woodblocks of Nguyen Dynasty, Nguyen Dynasty's imperial documents and literary works on Hue imperial architecture.
As Hue served as the imperial city under the Nguyen Dynasty (1802-1945), the festival will re-enact royal celebrations and events such as Royal Night, Orient Legends and the Nam Giao ritual.
Many side events will also be held, such as the International Food Fair, a beer carnival, an international trade fair, a traditional boat race on Perfume River, a kite festival, and the Hue Poetry Festival.
Several exhibitions will introduce to visitors the poetry on Hue imperial architectural works inscribed on truc chi (bamboo pulp) paper, the beauty of orchids and bonsai, and cultural heritage with integration and development.
The Hue Festival has been held every two years since 2000, bringing together excellent arts companies with unique performances from across the world.
