A H’Mong ethnic dance troupe pays tribute to Ho Chi Minh at the opening of the three-day cultural festival as they honour his remembrance through photos, music and dance.

The beautiful and rich colourful pageantry pictured here is distinctive of the H’Mong ethnic communities who live in North, North-Central and Central Highlands region mountainous areas.

In this performance artists choreograph the natural landscapes of the region highlighting the significance of women and agriculture in their everyday lives.

This performance highlights the importance national identity to the H’Mong ethnic minority of and preservation of centuries old cultural values ​​and ethnic traditions of Mong to their daily lives.

Nguyen Van Binh, head of the Central Economic Commission, delivers a speech at the opening of the festival.

H’Mong dancers perform traditional folk songs of Mongolian ethnic. With a population of about 800,000, the H’Mong are one of the biggest ethnic minority groups in Vietnam.

Pictured are two H’Mong ethnic women from earlier on November 18 in traditional colourful costume typical of the Mong ethnic people.