Published:  00:00 Monday - October 11, 2010

Ten low income couples celebrated a joint wedding ceremony in HCM City on October 10 with hope that the lucky date would look kindly on their futures.

The wedding was held in the spirit of the 1000th anniversary of Hanoi Capital.

An eye-catching parading on xich-los around the city attracted the attention of foreign tourists and city dwellers.

After the public procession around the city along Le Duan, Dong Khoi, Ton Duc Thang and Nguyen Hue, the brides and grooms stopped at the Ho Chi Minh monument in front of the city hall to hold the wedding ceremony and laid wreaths to express their gratitude to the late president.

The weddings were arranged by HCM City's Young Workers Assistance Centre.

Each couple contributed just VND2 million (US$100). Truong Van Thanh, who works for Quang Khoi Company in Thu Duc district, and his partner Truong Thi Lien, of Sai Gon Garment Company No3, said they had been very excited about their wedding for a long time.

According to the centre, the event was held not only to support the workers but also to encourage a civilised and economical lifestyle among young people.

After the wreath ceremony, the couples returned to their xich-los for a tour of the city's landmarks and some photo opportunities before heading back to the Ho Chi Minh Campaign Museum to chair their wedding party with their relatives and friends.