Con Dao Island is bustling with activity during the book festival.

This is one of the activities to celebrate the First Congress of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee (2025 - 2030) and commemorate the 73rd anniversary of the Traditional Day of the Vietnamese Publishing, Printing and Book Distribution Industry.

Through the Con Dao Book Fair, the organizers hope to preserve and promote the historical value of the national monument, contribute to the economic , cultural, and tourism development of Con Dao, and elevate Ho Chi Minh City's status as a livable city in the country and the region.

The book fair is themed "Legends of Con Dao." The exhibition areas are organized by various themes. Specifically:

President Ho Chi Minh: Introducing classic works and valuable documents on Ho Chi Minh's thought, ethics, and style, contributing to the education of patriotic traditions and aspirations for dedication among the younger generation.

The exhibition showcases Ho Chi Minh City's socio-economic development achievements: displaying publications and documents reflecting the city's innovation, creativity, and comprehensive development milestones during the 2020-2025 term.

The legendary figures of Con Dao, its history, land, and people: recreating the tenacious struggle of heroes and martyrs; honoring the images of legendary figures associated with the history of the revolutionary struggle; and at the same time, introducing the history of the land and people; the beauty of Con Dao today.

Introducing thousands of new books across diverse fields: politics , history, literature, science, education, life skills, etc., through QR codes provided by various publishers.

In addition, during the book fair, the organizers hold interactive sessions and seminars on books, reading culture, author and work introductions, activities for young people, along with many attractive book promotions and discounts.

The series of "reading sessions" took place from October 3rd to 4th at Cao Van Ngoc Primary School, Le Hong Phong Secondary School, and Vo Thi Sau High School with the themes: Talking to the Future - Reading with Me, Talking to the Future - Letters to the Future, and Talking to the Future - My Dreams.

An author-to-author exchange and book launch for "The Children of Saigon in the 'Earthly Hell' of Con Dao" will take place at 7:30 AM on October 5th at the main stage at the Ton Duc Thang Street entrance arch. Guests include Ms. Truong My Hoa, former Vice President of Vietnam, and former Con Dao prisoners.

The Nguyen An Ninh Digital Library - Southern Vietnam Special Topic session followed at 9:30 AM, with the participation of Dr. Quach Thu Nguyet and journalist and writer Duong Thanh Truyen.

The Department of Culture and Sports, together with the Institute for Oriental Studies and Development, the National Political Publishing House - Ho Chi Minh City branch, the General Publishing House, the Youth Publishing House, Dong A Book, and Voiz FM, donated more than 2,500 physical and digital books.

The organizers presented 15 gifts to 15 students in extremely difficult circumstances, with a total value of 15 million VND, along with 500 notebooks, 350 lanterns, 30 cartons of milk, 2 oxygen ventilators, and 11 boxes of bird's nest.

The opening night of the Con Dao Book Fair and the art program will take place from 7 PM on October 4th at the outdoor stage in the area of the Public House, Ton Duc Thang Street, Con Dao Special Zone, Ho Chi Minh City.

The program featured many outstanding artistic performances with the participation of singers and artists Quoc Dai, Thanh Su, Ha Van, Minh Sang, Thai Dien, Duong Duc, Doan Dai Hoa, Thuy Trinh, Thanh Hang, Viet Ha, Hoai An, and the VMO group.

Earlier, the ceremony of visiting Hang Keo Cemetery, Hang Duong Cemetery, Con Dao Temple, and the memorial monument at the historic 914 Pier took place from 3:30 PM on October 4th.

HOANG LE

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/con-dao-ron-rang-ngay-hoi-sach-20251003081734648.htm