From the beginning of 2023, Da Nang’s Hai Chau downtown district has offered many cultural and entertainment events in a bid to promote its unique features, as well as promote the district as an attractive tourist destination. The cultural events characterize traditional and contemporary elements in order to create attractive and unique experiences for locals and tourists.

Festivals and other cultural events for New Year and Lunar New Year holidays held in Hai Chau District earned applause from the general public. In the photo: A Poetry Night took place in Nam Duong Ward, Hai Chau District on the 15th of the first lunar month or Nguyen Tieu Festival which fell on February 5. Photo: C.T

A Poetry Night which is annual event and is held to celebrate Nguyen Tieu Festival on the 15^th of the first lunar month demonstrates spiritual values of local residents, thereby arousing their love for poetry, and educating the younger generation about promoting our national patriotic traditions and preserving our national cultural identity.

Mr Nguyen Nho Khiem, the Vice Chairman of the Da Nang Union of Literary and Art Associations, said that this year's poetry event aimed to introduce famous poetry collections, including Than or ‘God' by Ly Thuong Kiet and ‘Nguyen Tieu’  by late president Ho Chi Minh. At the same time, the event brought together professional and amateur poets to discuss about new poetry collections.

“Poetry nights help local people immerse themselves in the romantic atmosphere of the Nguyen Tieu Festival as poems help soothe  and nurture our soul, thereby making life more beautiful. The poetry night has contributed to meeting the public demand for cultural enjoyment, as well as increasing public awareness for urban cultural heritage," Khiem said.

Apart from poetry nights, locals and tourists were amazed by entertainment and cultural events. A photo contest and exhibition themed " Spring in Hai Chau" which has taken place on the western bank of the Han River is a typical example.

Ms. Tran Thi Le, a resident of Phuoc Ninh Ward, Hai Chau District, acknowledged that the displayed photos showcased the beauty of the nature and people along with tourist attractions in Hai Chau  District..

Furthermore, exciting fun and entertainment events take place weekly in the district, thereby creating an atmosphere of joy for locals and tourists.

Tran Van Minh, a tourist from Thanh Hoa shared: “I have visited Da Nang many times, and my family always spend time on enjoying festivals and cultural events during our stay in the city, especially street concerts on the western bank of the Han River. As a young person who loves the modernity and excitement, I both want to see the Rong (Dragon) Bridge and enjoy music at the APEC sculpture garden. I am deeply impressed by live music events which characterize traditional and contemporary elements when I return to Da Nang as a tourist after two years of COVID-19. This is one of best things to do in Da Nang, and it leaves me and my family members with unforgettable memories.”

Since the beginning of 2023, Hai Chau District has prepared itself for the Hai Chau Communal House Festival, which annually takes place on the 10^th day of the third lunar month to celebrate the dead anniversary of the Hung Kings.

The festival is annual large-scale event that attracts a large number of local people and tourists. It aims to keep important cultural events which are part of the spiritual life of local people, as well as promote and preserve local cultural identity, satisfy the cultural and spiritual needs of local communities. In addition, the intention is to educate young people about being grateful and expressing gratitude towards their ancestors, thereby contributing to promoting culture and tourism of Hai Chau District, and Da Nang as a whole, in an attempt to attract more tourists to the city.

Over recent years, Hai Chau District authority has made great efforts to preserve and promote local cultural heritage in a clever way, as well as bring local culture closer to the masses.

Focus is on bringing innovations to annual festivals in order to create attractive and unique experiences for locals and tourists. Heed is paid to using digital technology to make festivals more interesting and inviting to local citizens and visitors at both home and abroad.

Cultural and entertainment events will be developed in a modern way to satisfy public’s tastes but still protect and promote our national cultural identity.

Reporting by CHIEN THANG – Translating by H.L