Visitors to the function were impressed by Viet Nam's "ao dai" (traditional dress), "ao tu than" (four-panel traditional tunic) and "ao ba ba" (southern Vietnamese women's blouse) as well as costumes of the H'mong and Thai ethnic minority groups.

Many of spectators, including up to 500 foreigners and Canadian people and students, expressed their admiration at the fineness of lacquer, pastel paintings and embroidery products, which were completely hand-made.

They were invited to enjoy "nem" (fried meat rolls) and sip tea and coffee among other Vietnamese specialities.

The Montessori Academy, one of the biggest universities in Ottawa, has organised the International Cultural Day in February for many years.

Besides giving cultural lectures to Canadian and foreign students, the academy also focuses on developing its students' painting, music and sport skills./.