Opening Ceremony of the Can Tho City Book Fair 2026

Delegates perform the opening ceremony of the book fair. Photo: DUY KHÔI

On the morning of April 15th, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Can Tho City inaugurated the 5th Can Tho City Book Fair, 2026. This cultural event is part of a series of activities commemorating the 51st anniversary of the Liberation of Southern Vietnam and National Reunification; the 136th anniversary of the birth of President Ho Chi Minh; and in response to Vietnam's Book and Reading Culture Day (April 21st).

Delegates attending the opening ceremony. Photo: DUY KHÔI

This year's book fair is not just a place to buy and sell publications; it's also a multi-dimensional cultural space with activities showcasing rare book collections and unique local history books; experiencing digital library technology, and engaging in creative STEM activities…

Delegates view a book exhibition at the Can Tho City Library. Photo: DUY KHOI

The highlights of the program include a series of "Author-Work" interactions, thematic talks, the launch of the 2026 Reading Culture Ambassador Contest, the donation of books to collaborative libraries, and the exchange of used books under the "Zero-Cost Book Exchange" model - "SKD 2026".

In addition, the book fair also provides a playground for young people through the "Golden Bell" competition, calligraphy writing, pottery making experience, etc. Especially, when visiting, having fun, and shopping at the book fair, visitors have the opportunity to participate in the "Lucky Draw" program with a total prize of 10 million VND.

Many promotional programs are being applied by the vendors participating in the book fair. Photo: DUY KHÔI

Maintaining the annual book fair demonstrates the city's Department of Culture's commitment to enhancing the status of reading culture, with knowledge as the core foundation for development. The book fair also serves as a bridge to promote the cultural identity of Southern Vietnam and the studious spirit of the people of Can Tho.

Historian Duong Trung Quoc and delegates view the photo exhibition "Southern Vietnam". Photo: DUY KHOI

On this occasion, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, in collaboration with the magazine "Xưa & Nay" (Past & Present), inaugurated the exhibition "Southern Vietnam". The exhibition features 120 valuable documentary images, vividly recreating the picture of old Southern Vietnam – a dynamic, open land where indigenous traditions intersected with new influences in a historical context. Through this, the exhibition helps viewers gain a deeper understanding of the social life, cultural and educational movements, patriotism, and aspirations for modernization of the people of Southern Vietnam in the early 20th century.

Images of the old Can Tho market have been recreated, attracting visitors. Photo: DUY KHOI

The "Southern Vietnam" photo exhibition is being held at the Can Tho City Museum (No. 1, Hoa Binh Street, Ninh Kieu Ward) and the Can Tho City Museum - Branch 2 (No. 4, Hung Vuong Street, Soc Trang Ward).

DANG HUYNH

Source: https://baocantho.com.vn/khai-mac-hoi-sach-tp-can-tho-nam-2026-a202186.html