Activities planned to mark 20th anniversary of Da Nang's recognition as a centrally-governed city
A wide range of activities will be held across Da Nang from late this year until early next year to mark 20 years since the city’s recognition as a centrally-governed city on 1 January 1997.
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| Sparkling beauty of the city at night |
Specifically mentioned will be a grand meeting at the Tien Son Sports Arena and a workshop entitled ‘Da Nang: 20 Years of Construction, Development and Future Orientations’, both to be held on 31 December.
In addition, between 24 and 31 December, there will be an exhibition at the Hoang Sa Exhibition House featuring photos and documents relating to Viet Nam's sovereignty over the Hoang Sa (Paracel) archipelago. Also, a photo exhibition themed ‘Da Nang - The Age of 20’ will be held from 24 December 2016 to 2 January 2017 at the western end of the Rong (Dragon) Bridge, opposite the Museum of Cham Sculpture.
Cultural and sporting events will include the opening ceremony of Da Nang Book Street on 24 December, a motorcycle and sports bicycle parade on main streets on 30 December, street parades of flower-decorated vehicles on the evenings of 31 December 2016 and 1 January 2017, the Da Nang Cultural and Cuisine Festival between 1 and 7 January 2017 at the Da Nang Port, and an awards ceremony on 15 January for a video clip-making contest entitled ‘Da Nang - Impressive Moments’.
At midnight on 31 December 2016, a spectacular fireworks display will be set off on the beach near the East Sea Park. Two special musical performances to welcome in New Year 2017 and to celebrate the 20th anniversary will be broadcast live on both the DRT and VTV8 channels at 7.30pm on 29 December. The New Year Countdown Party 2017 will be held from 7.30pm on 31 December at the 29 March Square on 2 September Street.
Also to mark the anniversary, 20 local citizens will be honoured in recognition of their outstanding achievements for the city’s progress, whilst 2,000 more will be presented with municipal badges for their active involvement in promoting the city’s development.
In addition, the city's Union of Science and Technology Associations will present awards for outstanding research work over the past 2 decades.
Other meaningful activities will include offering incense and laying wreaths at the 2 September Peace Monument and the local Martyrs' Cemeteries, and releasing a ‘Da Nang: 20 Years of Construction and Development’ book.