Taking place in Pa Khoang commune, Dien Bien district, the opening ceremony featured an art show that introduced the ethnic culture in Dien Bien, through songs and traditional costumes of Vietnam and Japan.
The Pa Khoang – Dien Bien Cherry Blossom Festival 2018 consists of a host of cultural, sporting and tourism activities, including movies screened on a mobile cinema, and tours around popular local destinations, such as the Che Can cultural village and the command post of the Dien Bien Phu battle. A photo exhibition and a food tasting event promoting the Vietnamese and Japanese cultures are also scheduled to take place.
The festival serves as a curtain raiser for several events in celebration of the 45-year diplomatic ties between Vietnam and Japan (September 21). It aims at fostering bilateral friendship and cooperation and promoting Japanese investment in Dien Bien.