The rich local culture and glorious history of Dien Bien will behonoured during an art performance taking place in north-western DienBien city on March 13.

Named Hoa Ban Khoe Sac (literally meaningBauhinia (Ban) flower in the full bloom), the art programme is to kickoff the Week of Dien Bien Culture and Tourism.

According toDeputy Director of the provincial Culture, Sports and TourismDepartment, Nguyen Dang Quang, the three-chapter performance praises theculture and art of the various ethnic groups in the region.

It also promotes the Ban flower, a regional blossom that symbolises local culture.

About 600 performers will join a grand performance in the square in front of the province's Convention and Culture Centre.

Popularimages of Dien Bien, including terraced rice fields and bamboo waterwheels, and Thai ethnic music and dances from the hills will bereplicated on stage.

The week will include a seminar where lecturers will discuss the promotion of the area.

Aphoto exhibition titled Dau An Dien Bien Phu (The Mark of Dien BienPhu) featuring the stunning topography and charming villages has alsobeen organised.

Indigenous culture will also be represented in souvenirs and handicrafts from the 21 local tribal groups.

Folkgames are expected to attract many visitors. They include tung con,throwing a sacred ball through a ring, stilt walking, and tugs of war.

Ritual customs from the many different groups will also be a feature.

Regional gastronomic contests and a fashion show featuring traditional ethnic costumes will brighten up the event.

The event ends on March 15 with a glittering carnival featuring 15 colourful floats.

Alongsidethe famous historical site Dien Bien Phu, Dien Bien also has severalfamous sightseeing spots such as Muong Nhe primitive jungle, Hua Pe and UVa hot springs, and the Pa Khoang and Huoi Pa lakes.-VNA