Carnaval Ha Long 2024. Photo: VOV

For the first time the festival included performance and parade at sea and on the sandy shores of Ha Long Bay, a world natural wonder, at night.

The event brought together international delegations from Hokkaido (Japan), Guangxi (China), Laos, Thailand and European dance groups along with 2,000 artists, singers, musicians and artisans from Vietnam’s Northeastern region. In particular, 3D Mapping performances and drone art showed  unique images of Quang Ninh land and people.

Phan Thi Hai Huong, Head of the Communications Department of Ha Long City Party Committee, said: “The program is completely innovative from the idea to a stage close to nature. It is the heritage that has given us a new value in developing the night economy and nightlife attraction of Quang Ninh. We hope to build Carnaval into a distinctive festival brand and to be a recognized as an intangible cultural heritage at the national or world level.”

Sideline activities included the opening of the walking and culinary street of Bai Chay ward, sports tournaments, beer and squid cake festival, festival of lions, unicorns, and dragons, festival of Zumba clubs, and festival of modern dance groups in Ha Long city.