Nguyen Van Son, Chairman of the Hoi An municipal administration (Photo: Anh Tuan/VOV)

Addressing the two-day festival, Nguyen Van Son, Chairman of the Hoi An municipal administration, said that the event aimed to popularize Hoi An’s culture, nature and people to international friends and nurture the friendship and diplomatic relationship between Vietnam and France.

According to Son, the relationship between France and Vietnam has developed strongly over the years.

“Hoi An has strengthened relations with French agencies. It is coordinating with the French Embassy in Hanoi to build a French-style quarter in Phan Boi Chau Street. The French Development Agency (AFD) has funded 39.3 million USD to preserve the ancient city's old quarter,” Son added.

Visitors to the cultural event were treated to an art performance embracing the indigenous culture of Hoi An and Quang Nam province including an ethnic musical instrument ensemble, folk singing, ancient Hoi An costume show, and Bai Choi folk game.

A dance performance featuring the beauty of the Vietnamese homeland (Photo: Anh Tuan/VOV)

Truong Thuy Tien, an overseas Vietnamese, said, “The dancers are amazing. Their top-notch performances are what I expected from Vietnam. I’m glad to see many cultural events held at the capital city, which help me know more about Vietnam.”

The performances have also attracted French visitors with Margot Panisset, a French teacher in Paris, as an example.

“The performances were very interesting. I like the culture and music of Hoi An very much. It made me feel as if I started a journey to this place. Of course, it cannot replace an actual tour. But at least, this program has encouraged me to come and explore the beautiful country of Vietnam,” said Margot Panisset.

Visitors to the festival could learn historical and cultural information and explore lantern and handicraft products from Hoi An's traditional craft villages.

Before coming to France, the Hoi An City delegation organized the Hoi An Lantern Festival in Wernigerode city in Saxony-Anhalt state, Germany.

During the 3-day festival from last Friday, the houses, shops, and Central Square of Wernigerode City were lit by hundreds of exquisitely handcrafted lanterns brought from Hoi An city.