Cultural and art programmes were held nationwide in celebrations of theVietnam Family Day on June 28 to promote the family-oriented tradition.

The capital city of Hanoi was colourful andcheerful during a festival on Hanoi family culture, where sportscompetitions, photo exhibitions on family and flower-arranging contestsattracted public crowds. Remarkable was a conference honouringsuccessful and happy families.

The festival wasthe coordination of action among numerous agencies, from the Ministry ofCulture, Sports and Tourism to the Hanoi People’s Committee and theVietnam Elderly Association.

The nation’s largesteconomic hub of Ho Chi Minh City also made the day festive on June27 with the participation of thousands of families. It culminated in afestivity to piece 20,000 coins together into a symbol of“Family-backbone of happiness”, setting up a Vietnam Guinness.

The whole proceeds of the mosaic symbol auction will beearmarked for the construction of homes for poor families.

The southeastern region has joined the nation by holding thefirst family culture festival in Bien Hoa city, Dong Nai province. Asmany as 54 exemplary families coming from all the five regionalprovinces shared experiences in taking care of their families andchildren.

June 28 is celebrated as the VietnamFamily Day annually after the Prime Minister signed up a decision inMay, 2001. The decision aims to uphold the important role played by thefamily and family values in developing human characters./.