Published:  00:00 Tuesday - November 18, 2008

The former imperial city of Hue will be the central theme of the Vietnam Cultural Heritage Festival, scheduled to take place in Hanoi from November 21-25.

Deputy Minister of Culture, Sport and Tourism Tran Chien Thang made this announcement at a press briefing on November 17, explaining that the theme was chosen to highlight the former imperial city’s status as the recipient of double ‘World’ titles, as bestowed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

One of these titles relates to the ‘World Heritage Site’ status granted in recognition of the city’s remarkable architecture 15 years ago, and the other is a result of the classification of Hue court music as an “Oral and Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity” five years ago.

The ‘Week of Hue Culture’ will provide images of ancient Hue through the staging of exhibitions showcasing traditional crafts and cuisines, art performances, royal and traditional games, and poem recitals.

The event will also include an exhibition themed “Hue royal designs” with 100 images of Hue relics, architecture, decorations and hundreds of royal artifacts selected from individual collections and made from bronze, porcelain and textiles, giving visitors greater understanding of the daily lives of the royal family in ancient Hue.

As well as these cultural artifacts and celebrations, another festival entitled “Return to the roots” will take place on November 23, with the aim of promoting campaigns to vote for Ha Long Bay, Phong Nha-Ke Bang grotto and Fransipang mountain as the new natural wonders of the world.