(VOV) - The 2013 Ha Long Carnival opened on April 27 with an arts performance in the northern coastal province of Quang Ninh’s Ha Long city which was attended by local and regional leaders, as well as thousands of visitors. This year’s theme is “The Colours of Quang Ninh – Convergence and Continuation”, featuring the traditional ethnic minority cultures. The Dao ethnic group from Bang Ca commune, Hoanh Bo district, performed folk dances at the carnival’s opening ceremony to ask the gods for fine weather, good health and a prosperous, fortunate life. In addition to the opening ceremony, the carnival includes stage performances and a parade which attracted nearly 5,000 amateur and professional actors and actresses, as well as a number of art troupes from China, the Republic of Korea and Laos.

Spectacular dances open the 2013 Ha Long Carnival

Dragon dance

Lions symbolize the strength of the local people

Charming girls at the festival

Birds of peace - a symbol of the 2013 Ha Long Carnival

Performances by ethnic groups in Quang Ninh province

A boat race

Wrestling