The Ao Dai (Vietnamese traditional dress) blends in with the traditional costumes of various countries in the parade around Hoan Kiem Lake - Photo: DANH KHANG
On the evening of October 3rd, the pedestrian street around Hoan Kiem Lake was bustling with music, drums, and crowds heading to the Festival of Colors from Five Continents, part of the 2nd World Culture Festival in Hanoi 2026 (which runs until October 4th).
The ao dai (Vietnamese traditional dress) and the vibrant colors of the world are openly and vividly displayed on the streets of Hanoi.
The festival is designed as an open and vibrant cultural exchange space, attracting tens of thousands of locals and tourists around Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square.
The parade started from the Hanoi Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism in Hang Dau, passed by Ba Kieu Temple, and ended at the main stage in Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square.
Throughout the journey, locals and tourists will be able to enjoy musical performances, traditional arts, and costume shows.
The event brought together art troupes and cultural organizations from 15 countries, including: Austria, Angola, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, China, Iran, Laos, Mongolia, Morocco, Philippines, Spain , Ukraine, Peru, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam - Photo: DANH KHANG
Traditional costumes from various countries appeared together, creating a colorful cultural exchange space in the heart of Hanoi - Photo: DANH KHANG
Flags of various countries appeared together in the parade, marking the beginning of a cultural exchange journey in the heart of Hanoi. - Photo: DANH KHANG
The combination of Vietnamese art with international art troupes will transform the pedestrian area around Hoan Kiem Lake into an open cultural stage, where art is not only performed on stage but also directly reaches the people and tourists - Photo: DANH KHANG
A large number of locals and tourists flocked to the Hoan Kiem Lake pedestrian street to watch the performances - Photo: DANH KHANG
Art troupes from various countries showcase their unique cultural identities right in the capital city - Photo: DANH KHANG
Creating a heart shape and a greeting to the people of Hanoi and tourists - Photo: DANH KHANG
The festival is a rare cultural gathering in the heart of Hanoi - Photo: DANH KHANG
Of particular note was the parade featuring Vietnamese ao dai (traditional dress) combined with traditional costumes from other countries, with over 1,000 participants.
The Vietnamese ao dai dresses, along with the colorful traditional costumes of other countries, will create a diverse and rich cultural tapestry right in the heart of the capital city.
In addition, the participation of international art troupes brings a variety of unique art forms and cultural heritage, from traditional Persian music, Mexican and Peruvian folk dances, traditional UAE performing arts to Korean Taekwondo...
Accompanying the international delegations were members of the Lion and Dragon Dance troupe, artisans, traditional art artists of Hanoi, Hanoi women, the Vietnam Ao Dai Culture Club, models, and artists.
Vietnamese traditional costumes also join the colorful spectacle from around the world - Photo: DANH KHANG
A lion dance performance brings the colors of traditional Vietnamese culture closer to locals and tourists. - Photo: DANH KHANG
Luu Bao Khanh (15 years old, Hanoi), a member of the Trieu Khuc village dance team, performed the "Con Di Danh Bong" dance. Khanh said she had been practicing this dance for a long time and was very happy to have the opportunity to introduce the traditional culture of her hometown to international friends.
"Just now I was shaking hands with a foreigner to promote this dance," Khanh said.
Director of the Department of Performing Arts Nguyen Xuan Bac (center) and representatives from departments and agencies of Hanoi City - Photo: DANH KHANG
Hanoi hopes to continue being a destination for world culture.
Speaking at the festival, Mr. Pham Tuan Long, Director of the Hanoi Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said that the significance of the festival lies not only in the richness of art and costumes but also in creating a space for different cultures to meet, interact, share, and respect each other.
"Vietnamese ao dai (traditional dress) along with traditional costumes from other countries, music, folk dances, and performing arts are all present on the streets around Hoan Kiem Lake. Art is brought out of the stage to blend into life; locals and tourists not only enjoy it but also directly become a part of the festival," Mr. Long said.
The parade, passing through every street corner, created a harmonious blend of cultural unity and friendship - Photo: DANH KHANG
The department leader added that in an increasingly interconnected world, culture and art have a special power: bringing people closer together without needing to share a common language.
This fosters empathy without diminishing diversity. Each nation has its own identity, each culture its own unique beauty. These differences, when viewed with respect and openness, enrich the cultural tapestry of humanity.
As a city for peace, Hanoi aspires to continue being a destination for cultural encounters, people-to-people exchanges, and international connections.
The "Colors of Five Continents" street festival is not only a large-scale artistic and cultural event, but also an opportunity for cultures to meet, interact, strengthen friendship, and work together towards a future of peace and sustainable development. - Photo: DANH KHANG
DANH KHANG
Tuoitre.vn
Source: https://tuoitre.vn/ca-ngan-nguoi-dieu-hanh-ao-dai-va-trang-phuc-truyen-thong-gay-sot-o-ha-noi-100261003215615773.htm
