An 8-day international culturalfestival opened here Saturday, as more than 60 art delegations from over 40 countries attended a grand parade and the opening ceremony.

The parade was held along the Street of the Arch of Triumph, which was crowded by thousands of Pyongyang citizens dressed in national costume, waving their hands. Bands from universities, high schools and primary schools, as well as children from kindergartens were on the spotlight of the scene.

Pak Bong-ju, premier of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), welcomed the guests in his speech at the following opening cremony.

During the festival, peoples from different countries will perform their excellent arts on the same stage, which will not only promote the cooperation among them, but also make great contribution to the development of culture, Pak said.

The April Spring Friendship Festival is an annual event in memory of the birthday of Kim Il-sung, the founder of the DPRK.

Source: Xinhua