Cultural activities mark Dien Bien Phu victory

A wide range of cultural activities have been arranged across the country to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu historical victory (May 7, 1954 – May 7, 2014).

In Ha Noi, alongside an ongoing book exhibition – Dien Bien Phu Vang Mai Ban Hung Ca (Dien Bien Phu – A Forever Triumphal Song) – taking place at the Military Library on Ly Nam De Street, the Publishing House People's Army recently released a 12-volume book on the same theme.

The series features articles by Vietnamese and international historians, researchers, writers and journalists.

At the Exhibition House of the Viet Nam Fine Arts Association, 16 Ngo Quyen Street, more than 80 artists have gathered to showcase their artworks on the theme, using different materials such as paintings, graphics and sculptures.

A CD featuring 12 songs, with lyrics written by three military poets Le Nguyen, Anh Ngoc and Doan Hoai Trung and music by female composer Quynh Hop, will be released this week.

In Dien Bien, an incense-offering ceremony will be held on May 7 at the A1 Hill Martyrs Cemetery for which representatives from the provincial People's Committee; the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism; the Ministry of National Defence; and the Ministry of Public Security will participate.

In 1954, A1 Hill played an important role in controlling the whole battle of Dien Bien Phu.

Following the ceremony, the armed forces will march at the city's stadium and other main streets.

A ceremony for naming a main street and a square in the memory of Vo Nguyen Giap – the legendary general who led the Vietnamese army to a glorious victory on May 7, 1954 – will be held on May 7, 2014.

In the evening, a special art performance titled Dien Bien Phu – Ban Hung Ca Bat Diet (Dien Bien Phu – An Immortal Triumphal Song) will be organised at the provincial Convention and Cultural Centre