Gala opening: 135 years of Ho Chi Minh at the Sen Village Festival”

Gala opening: 135 years of Ho Chi Minh at the Sen Village Festival”

Celebrations for President Ho Chi Minh's 135th birthday are gaining momentum. On May 15, 2025, the national festival “Sen Village”, organized to mark this remarkable anniversary, was ceremoniously opened in Nghe An Province. The event pays homage to the heritage and values ​​that Ho Chi Minh embodies. Numerous high-ranking guests, including party general secretary To Lam and former National Assembly President Nguyen Sinh Hung, attended the opening ceremony. Other members of the Politburo and ministers were also present.

The festival, which was originally launched in 1981, has developed over the years into a significant national cultural event. From 2002 it was raised to the level of provincial festivals and now takes place every five years as a nationwide event. In 2025 the festival will be held under the new name “Lotus Village Singing” Mass Art Performance. The event aims to express the Vietnamese people's memory and gratitude for Ho Chi Minh and spread the leader's ideological values, such as vietnam.vn reported.

Diverse program and cultural activities

The festival includes a variety of cultural activities. These include flower offerings at the Ho Chi Minh Memorial in Vinh City, parades passing through Ho Chi Minh's hometown, and a singing competition celebrating the values ​​of his heritage. The opening ceremony was initiated by an art performance titled “The Monument in a Million Hearts,” which featured talented artists from across the country.

A total of 30 mass art groups from northern, central and southern Vietnam will take part in the performances, which will last until May 18, 2025. Almost 1,000 artists show their skills and convey the spirit and affection for the father of the nation. Tran Thi My Hanh, director of the province's culture, sports and tourism department, stressed the importance of the festival to express respect and gratitude to Ho Chi Minh, reported sggp.org.vn.

Symbolic monuments and exhibitions

A highlight of the festival is the inauguration of a statue entitled “Uncle Ho Visits Home,” which reaches a height of 12.5 meters. This statue was donated by the Ministry of Public Security and is located at the Sen Village Stadium in Kim Lien Township. Ho Chi Minh returned to his hometown in 1957 and 1961 and sought contact with the residents and local authorities. The statue symbolizes the president's enduring influence and memory.

The festival also offers a variety of sports activities and exhibitions about Ho Chi Minh and the ASEAN countries, showcasing the cultural diversity and historical richness of Vietnam. Through the clever combination of traditional and modern performances, the festival not only has cultural significance but also contributes to promoting tourism in the region.