A Culture and Tourism Week will be launched in the central province of Nghe An from May 15 to 21 to commemorate the 115th birthday of late President Ho Chi Minh (May 19).

The week will be held in parallel with a festival called Sen (lotus) village festival - the native village of Viet Nam`s great leader, said the Ministry of Culture and Information in a press briefing held in Ha Noi on May 9.

Right after the opening night on May 15, 20 amateur art troupes will conduct performance nights in various districts and communes of the province. They will perform songs and dances under the theme of Ho Chi Minh and cultural identities of Vietnamese ethnic communities.

A festive day for Vietnamese ethnic communities will be organised on May 17 in a bid to preserve the country`s folk songs and dances, traditional costumes and games. It is expected to draw the participation of representatives from 12 provinces in the northwestern, northeastern, central, central highlands and southern regions.

A celebration to mark President Ho Chi Minh`s birthday will be held in the Ho Chi Minh square of Vinh City on May 18. The event will be televised live by Viet Nam Television on channel 1.

President Ho Chi Minh, a national liberation hero, is the beloved and great leader of Viet Nam. He has been recognised by the United Nations Scientific, Educational and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) as a cultural personality.