Socialist Republic of Vietnam

Ha Noi, Jan. 6 (VNA) -- Journalists and reporters of nearly 30 press sources and news agencies have chosen the 10 most memorable cultural events of 2000.

1. Celebrations of Viet Nam's Major Anniversaries

A variety of cultural and art festivities were held to celebrate the nation's major events, including the 70th anniversary of the founding of Viet Nam's Communist Party, the 110th birthday of President Ho Chi Minh, the 55th anniversary of National Day, the 700th anniversary of the death of generalissimo Tran Quoc Tuan, and the New Millennium celebration.

2. The Hung King Festival

The Party and State honoured the country's history, inaugurating a nation-wide ritual ceremony on the 10th day of the third lunar month to celebrate the Hung kings, who founded the state of Viet Nam, then called Van Lang, about 3,800 years ago.

About 70,000 Vietnamese people from around the country flocked to the state ritual at the Hung Temple in the northern province of Phu Tho, marking the biggest ever Hung Kings Festival held in the past 50 years. The Hung Kings Festival will now be held as a national ritual once every five years.

3. 990th Anniversary of Thang Long-Ha Noi

A week of cultural and sporting activities were held to celebrate the 990th anniversary of Thang Long-Ha Noi, featuring performances, fine arts exhibitions, book displays, and traditional festivals. The highlight of the week was a big celebration capturing the culture and history of 1,000 years of civilisation of Thang Long. The event, which was held at the Ha Noi Stadium with the participation of nearly 40,000 people, was regarded as a preparation for the 1000th anniversary of Thang Long-Ha Noi, to be held in 2010.

4. The Ho Chi Minh Prize

The Ho Ch