(VOVworld) – Thousands of young people have taken part in the Street Art Festival, organized by Hanoi’s Youth Union to mark the 83^rd anniversary of the Ho Chi Minh Youth Union. The event was also part of activities to celebrate the “I love Hanoi” movement and the Year of Youth Volunteers 2014.

The Hanoi Street Art Festival has been held for the second time, the first in September last year. This year it was held at 4 different sites: Reunification Park, Ly Tu Trong Memorial Statue, Ly Thai To Park, and Nguyen Trai Memorial Statue. More than 500 street artists and 3,000 Youth Union members took part in festival activities which included artistic roller skating, free style football, and graffiti. In particular, the music and street magic performances created an exhilarating atmosphere.

Nguyen Viet Hoang, a member of a band competing at the festival, said: “I want to prove my confidence and passion in public. With passion, we can do anything.”

A major part of the festival was the showcase of skills in calligraphy, portrait-making, creating colorful figurines from sticky rice dough, paper folding, and knot-making, do (poonah paper), and Dong Ho folk painting. Festival goers could try knitting or ceramic making with the help of experienced artists and could keep the products they made for themselves. The festival attracted not only the youth but also people of all ages.

Nguyen Thi Ha, a retired teacher, said: “Young people are now creative and deft. I really like their attempts at calligraphy and knot-making. My grandchildren also took part in this festival. By watching the young people, I can see what they think and do. There should be more activities like this.”