Bicycle Parade Marks Vietnam-Laos Solidarity and Friendship Year in Luang Prabang

The bicycle parade is part of the series of activities to celebrate the Vietnam-Laos Solidarity and Friendship Year 2022. Source: Vietnamese Association in Luang Phrabang

The Vietnamese Consulate General in the Lao northern province of Luang Prabang, Laos provincial Department of Information, Culture and Tourism jointly held a bicycle parade and a film screening about historical traditions between Vietnam and Laos, VNA reported.

The events, part of activities to celebrate the Lao-Vietnamese Friendship and Solidarity Year 2022, aim to promote the solidarity and cultural exchange between people of the two countries.

Attending the event were Vietnamese Consul General in Luang Prabang Kieu Thi Hang Phuc; representatives of provincial leaders, departments, branches and a large number of officials and employees of departments, employees of the Consulate General of Vietnam and people in the province.

According to the Deputy Governor of Luang Prabang, this activity is an opportunity for two peoples to meet and communicate. In particular, during the parade, participants wore the traditional costume of their ethnic group to honour their cultural identity, conveying the message of protecting and preserving the culture of the two countries Laos – Vietnam.

This activity also has an important meaning in contributing to preserving the heritage environment for Luang Prabang, a World Heritage Town, and promoting local tourism industry to regional and international friends.

Delegates announce the start of the parade in an atmosphere of friendship and solidarity. Source: Vietnamese Association in Luang Phrabang

Participants wore the traditional costume of their ethnic group to honour their cultural identity.

About 500 participants of all ages divided into groups, excited to participate in the bicycle parade. Source: Vietnamese Association in Luang Phrabang

Addressing the event, Vietnamese Consul General in Laos Kieu Thi Hang Phuc said that the activity is expected to help deepen the sentiments that the two peoples give each other, and popularise the great traditional friendship and special solidarity between the two countries to people of both sides and international friends.

She underlined that the great friendship and special solidarity between the two countries is a priceless treasure of the two Parties, States and nation that need preserving, protecting, reinforcing and transferring to younger generations.

Right after the opening ceremony, in an atmosphere full of excitement, friendship and brotherly solidarity, with the participation of nearly 500 participants of all ages, departed from the provincial Tourism Office, leading the way. The first group is 30 Vietnamese and Lao couples, cycling, chatting, reaching the finish line and participating in a fair to introduce local products.

Within the framework of the event, three documentary films on the history of ties between Vietnam and Laos, including “Uncle Ho in my heart”, “President Kayson Phomvihane, beloved son of the Lao people”, “Traditions of friendship between Laos and Vietnam”, have been screened in the evening of the same day.

In May, the Vietnam Consulate General in Luang Prabang and the local Laos – Vietnam Friendship Association also had kicked off a host of events to mark the Solidarity and Friendship Year.

Following the ceremony, a culture-sport-food exchange programme took place, featuring a friendly football match, culinary delights, and musical performances.