Ho Chi Minh City "Ao dai" festival kicks off

The festival showcased the outstanding collections of famous designers. The opening ceremony featured more than 300 "ao dai" designs from 15 collections by renowned local designers.

The event, which is set to last until April 15, aims to introduce the beauty and flair of "ao dai" to contribute to preserving the nation's cultural identity and promoting the image of the country and Vietnamese people.

Phan Thi Thang, Vice Chairwoman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, said the festival is of special significance as it takes place at the time when Vietnam and HCM City in particular are flexibly adapting to the COVID-19 pandemic and gradually restoring socio-economic activities.

The event is a vivid testament to the city’s internal strength and affirms the reinvigoration of the tourism sector, she said.

A wide range of cultural activities within the framework of the festival including an "ao dai" parade themed ‘Aspiration for Peace’ with the participation of more than 2,000 people, art performances, an "ao dai" exhibition and an "ao dai" design competition, among others.

Local authorities are also encouraging people working in district administration units, government agencies, schools and universities throughout the city to wear "ao dai" during March.