The 2013 Culture, Sports, and Tourism Festival of Khmer people got
underway in the southern province of An Giang on April 15,
attracting thousands of local people of Kinh, Hoa and Cham ethnic
groups.

As many as 650 Khmer musicians, artists,
and athletes from five districts of Tri Ton, Tinh Bien, Chau Thanh,
Thoai Son and Chau Phu performed in the biennial festival, which aims to
preserve and uphold the traditional cultural characteristics of Khmer
community.

An array of cultural activities will be
held during the three-day event, including a photo exhibition depicting
the lives of Khmer people in Bay Nui region and a culinary festival
introducing the local specialities.

Besides,
visitors can also partake in a wide range of sport events such as
football, volleyball, stick pushing and tug of war, to name but a few.

Deputy director of the provincial Department of
Culture, Sports and Tourism Ngo Quang Lang, said the festival creates an
opportunity for local people of all ethnic groups to mingle and enhance
their solidarity.-VNA