The 23rd Gwangju Chungjang Nostalgia Festival opened Wednesday along Geumnam-ro and Chungjang-ro in Dong-gu, Gwangju.
Running under the theme "Songs of Nostalgia," the five-day festival continues through Sunday in the heart of the city.
The opening show kicked off at 7 p.m. Wednesday on the main stage set up in front of Jeonil Building 245, featuring songs and performances spanning generations from the 1970s and 1980s through the 2000s.
DJ sets, cover dance performances and a marching band were followed by an aerial show using a crane lift. Singers Kim San-ok, Kim Jin-ung and rock band YB also took the stage.
Thursday's lineup includes the "Chungjang Dream Tree Festival," in which children showcase singing, dancing and musical instrument performances, alongside the "Chungjang Dance Festa," a competitive event for youth dance teams.
That evening, the "Chungjang Glowing Night" will light up Geumnam-ro with performances by Park Nam-jung and Woo Yeon-i, joined by several DJs.
On Friday, Geumnam-ro will host "Asia Culture Street," where visitors can sample food, traditional clothing and games from across Asia.
A hanbok fashion show, a K-beauty hair show and a cultural performance featuring troupes from Korea, Mongolia and Japan will also take place.
The festival's signature Chungjang Parade will unfold over three days. On Friday, the "Chungjang W Parade" will march down Geumnam-ro with overseas performance groups from Singapore, the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia.
Saturday will feature the "Chungjang K Parade," pitting parade teams selected from across the country against one another, and the "Chungjang O Parade," in which residents from Dong-gu's 13 administrative neighborhoods display floats, costumes and other creations of their own making.
On the final day, Sunday, the festival closes with the "Chungjang Golden Parade," featuring top performers from the preceding parades, followed by a closing ceremony.
Throughout the festival, Sinseoseok-ro will host a "Nostalgia Theme Street" evoking memories of the past, complete with an LP music room and coin noraebang. The 5th Gwangju Busking World Cup will also be held concurrently at May 18th Democracy Square.
"Everyone has at least one song that, the moment they hear it, brings back a cherished time and a special person," Dong-gu District Mayor Im Taek said. "I hope visitors will create their own memories here, surrounded by music that speaks to every generation."
sij@heraldcorp.com
