Athens takes over as World Book Capital 2018 on World Book Day

4/26/2018 - 11:14:06 AM

Athens marked World Book Day on April 23 with a celebratory event hosted at the Acropolis museum, as it took over as World Book Capital for 2018. For an entire year starting on April 23, the World Book Day organized by UNESCO since 1995, the Greek capital will be at the center of an international campaign aimed at promoting reading.

Beginning April 23, Greece’s capital -Athens- will be known as the "World Book Capital” for 2018, which is a global UNESCO cultural event. (Photo:Greekcitytimes)

Through a rich program of more than 250 book-related events across the city, including seminars, workshops, competitions and various activities for adults and kids, Athenians and visitors, Athens aims to bring books everywhere, in every corner, and spread the joy of reading.

The Greek capital takes over from the city of Conakry in Guinea and will pass the torch to the city of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates next year, as UNESCO's World Book Capital concept becomes stronger since its launch in 2001.

"In Athens today and across the world we celebrate books. We celebrate writing, reading, publishing and sharing books. All these activities enhance human beings," Ian Denison, Unesco Publishing and Branding Chief, told the inaugurating event for Athens World Book Capital on April 23 at the foot of the Acropolis hill.

"Athens is celebrating, Athens is reading books" is the main slogan of the yearlong celebration, Greek hosts said.

"Athens' journey starts. I would like to assure UNESCO that the choice of Athens was right, not only because of its history, but also thanks to its prospects," Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos said, addressing the event.

Athens today is a destination of culture which has the infrastructure and passionate people who can share their love for knowledge which helps communication between cultures, the Greek leader stressed.

"The organizing of the Athens 2018 World Book Day is one more international acknowledgment for our city. We believe that we can take up the responsibility and make the most of the opportunity," Mayor of Athens Yorgos Kaminis added, urging locals and foreigners to join the festivities.

The celebration continued on April 23 with a concert by a flute quartet at the Acropolis museum and performances by the City of Athens Philharmonic Band and various artists along the pedestrian walkway at the foot of the Sacred Rock.

The Greek parliament building was also lit up on April 23 evening as part of the celebration.

Source: NDO

Mai Chau district works to preserve Thai ethnic minority group's Xoe dance

Xoe dance, an unique art form of the Thai ethnic minority group in Mai Chau district of Hoa Binh province has existed for a long time and passed down through generations. Xoe dance is not only a popular dance in the Thai community but also a unique cultural feature, an indispensable part in the Thai ethnic minority people's cultural and spiritual life.

Model of preserving Muong ethnic cultural identity in Bac Son pre-school

The Bac Son pre-school in Hung Son commune, Kim Boi district is effectively implementing a model of preserving and promoting cultural identity of the Muong ethnic group.

Lac Son district preserves Muong ethnic people’s cultural heritage

Through ups and downs, many unique cultural features of the Muong ethnic minority group are facing risks of falling into oblivion. However, with a strong determination, Lac Son district of Hoa Binh province has deployed synchronous solutions to preserve and promote the locality's cultural heritage values.

Building space to preserve Muong ethnic culture in Tan Lac district

If Tan Lac is considered the core of the cradle of Muong culture in Hoa Binh, Phong Phu commune is the cultural centre of Muong culture in Tan Lac district. Luy Ai hamlet in Phong Phu commune is where customs and traditions of Muong Bi are preserved. Luy Ai hamlet was chosen to build a space to preserve Muong ethnic culture. The district is seeking support from the province and coordinating with relevant agencies to devise a plan on preservation of Muong cultural spaces associated with developing tourism products and improving the lives of local residents.

Outstanding young artisan promotes national cultural heritage values

Nguyen Manh Tuan, a Muong ethnic man in Ba Hang Doi town, Lac Thuy district, is known as a young, dedicated, and outstanding artisan who has made significant contributions in collecting, restoring, and preserving national cultural values.

Gov’t agrees to submit Mo Muong heritage dossier to UNESCO

The Government Office with Document No. 2082/VPCP-KGVX, dated March 29, 2024, sent out the opinion of Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha regarding the submission of the "Mo Muong" and "Cheo art" dossiers to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).