The opening ceremony began with a parade featuring a unicorn and dragon dance, and a bronze drum and trumpet performance accompanied by songs praising the city’s development. This was followed by an arts programme and the event ended with a colourful 15-minute fireworks display.
The festival aims to honour the red flamboyan flower, the symbol of the city, and promote a historic, traditional and attractive image of Hai Phong to visitors.
The two-day event also includes other cultural, arts and culinary activities.