Hau Giang to host Ao ba ba festival

Saadi Salama (R), Palestinian Ambassador to Vietnam, and Lam
Nguyen Hai Long, senior advisor to theISC-Innovation Services
Center,visit the Hau Giang rural market on September 5

The Ao Ba Ba Festival in Hau Giang Province, set to run from September 29 to October 1, will showcase the charming beauty of Ao ba ba, a traditional dress of southern Vietnam.

This three-day festival will take place in Vi Thanh City, marking the 20th anniversary of Hau Giang Province. The event carries the theme “Promoting internal strengths, taking advantage of opportunities, enhancing the aspiration for fast and sustainable development of Hau Giang Province,” and it is expected to become an annual festival.

Ao ba ba is a symbol of the pure, simple, and tender beauty of female southerners. Along with khan ran (checkered scarf) and non la (conical palm hat), Ao ba ba has been an integral part of Vietnamese culture for centuries, according to the organizers.

Dong Van Thanh, chairman of the Hau Giang People’s Committee, said, “Ao Ba Ba Festival is not only a show but also an event aimed at promoting unique cultural values imbued with southern identity.”

An official poster of the festival

The festival will feature a range of activities, including art performances, fashion shows, and photo exhibitions. Designer and festival director Minh Hanh said that the festival will highlight a collection of ao ba ba made from Cau Duc pineapple fiber fabric and natural silks crafted by artisans from Lam Dong and Ha Nam provinces.

This festival is organized by the provincial People’s Committee with support from VietMode Co., ISC-Innovation Services Center, STEAMZone Education Center, and the Saigon Times Foundation.

* Source: Saigon Times - english.thesaigontimes.vn - Sep 6, 2023
* Tags: Hau Giang,  Ao ba ba,  traditional dress,  southern Vietnam,