The Southern Fruit Festival, a vibrant celebration of Vietnam's rich agricultural heritage, commenced on June 1, 2014, at Suoi Tien Amusement Park, District 9, Ho Chi Minh City. This annual event, orchestrated by the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, showcases the diverse array of fruits from Southern Vietnam and pays tribute to the agricultural workers dedicated to preserving the nation's identity through their fruit-based artistic creations.
One of the festival's highlights is the "Floating Fruit Market," featuring 70 booths on boats brimming with over 180 varieties of fruits. This market offers fruits at prices 20 to 40 percent lower than typical market rates and operates throughout the summer months, providing a unique shopping experience for both locals and tourists.
The festival's display area presents a collection of rare and unusual fruits from various provinces across Vietnam, with intriguing names like lizard, Osaka, trumpet, and rattle. Additionally, visitors can marvel at giant fruits such as squashes and pumpkins weighing between 50 to 60 kilograms, a 10-kilogram coconut, and a 3-kilogram mango.
Over 100 miniature models crafted from fruits decorate the festival pathways, capturing the attention of attendees. The event also features a visual art contest with fruits, producing unique and colorful artworks. A parade themed around a wonderland legend with fairies and Fruit Gods adds a mythical dimension to the festivities. Moreover, the culinary street offers over 30 exotic fruit-based dishes, allowing visitors to explore new flavors and culinary techniques.
The festival is packed with diverse activities including traditional folk music performances like Don ca tai tu, and cultural exchanges with international troupes from Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, Laos, and Cambodia. These events not only entertain but also foster cultural understanding and appreciation among participants.
According to Ms. Nguyen Thi Hong, Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City, the festival has significantly grown in scale and variety, enhancing the connection between farmers, producers, distributors, and consumers. It plays a crucial role in promoting Vietnamese fruit brands and the cultural image of Ho Chi Minh City on an international stage. The opening ceremony alone attracted 40,000 visitors, underscoring the festival's popularity and importance.
The Southern Fruit Festival serves as an ideal platform for strengthening economic ties and promoting cultural exchange. It highlights the potential of Vietnam's fruit industry and its contribution to the national economy, while also providing an opportunity for international visitors to experience the unique culture of Southern Vietnam.
The festival, which ran until June 8, 2014, not only celebrated the region's agricultural achievements but also aimed to enhance the visibility of Vietnamese fruits in the global market, contributing to the country's tourism and cultural heritage.
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