The closing ceremony of the 2nd World Culture Festival in Hanoi – 2026 offered the people of Hanoi and visitors a spectacular artistic "feast," showcasing the vibrant colors of cultures from five continents. Photo: Minh Vu
On the evening of October 4th, the 2026 World Culture Festival concluded in the heritage setting of Thang Long Imperial Citadel . The program was attended by leaders from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Hanoi People's Committee, along with representatives from embassies and international organizations.
The 2nd World Culture Festival in Hanoi - 2026, organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs , and the Hanoi People's Committee, created a vibrant and diverse cultural exchange space at Thang Long Imperial Citadel. This year, the festival is even more significant as it coincides with Vietnam's 50th anniversary of joining UNESCO.
The performance stage at the closing ceremony of the 2nd Hanoi World Culture Festival. Photo: Minh Vu
One of the outstanding features of the Festival is its widespread public reach. The parades on the pedestrian streets bring the cultural colors of various countries closer to the people and tourists. According to the Organizing Committee, Meta's participation and support have contributed to the strong dissemination of the festival's image, activities, and stories across digital platforms, expanding the scope of interaction from the in-person event in Hanoi to a wider audience both domestically and internationally.
Beyond showcasing the unique cultural identities and values of various nations, festivals also provide opportunities for artists, artisans, creators, and the public to meet; contributing to enhanced understanding, fostering friendship, and opening new connections through culture.
Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Lam Thi Phuong Thanh speaks at the closing ceremony. Photo: Minh Vu
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Lam Thi Phuong Thanh affirmed that, for Vietnam, culture is both the spiritual foundation of society and a goal, driving force, and resource for national development. “Preserving heritage is not just about safeguarding values from the past, but also about ensuring that heritage continues to live in contemporary life, continues to be created, generating new values and passing them on to future generations,” Minister Lam Thi Phuong Thanh stated.
The festival's success demonstrates that when heritage, art, film, fashion, cuisine, tourism, and creativity are placed in the same space, cultural values are not only introduced and preserved but also have the potential to create new experiences, products, and values. This is also a way to leverage the role of cultural industries, transforming creative capacity, identity, and cultural assets into endogenous strength, competitiveness, and national soft power.
The Organizing Committee presented commemorative plaques of the Festival to the international delegations. Photo: Minh Vu.
Towards the annual international meeting point.
The highlight of the Closing Ceremony was the artistic program consisting of two parts, "Colors Meet" and "Greetings from Vietnam," featuring international art troupes and many Vietnamese artists.
A performance by the Iranian art troupe. Photo: Minh Vu
In the segment "Colors Meet," sounds and dances from Iran, the Russian Federation, Mexico, Myanmar, and Belgium, along with the youthful energy of Vietnamese artists, create a vibrant stage. Differences in language and tradition are connected in a spirit of openness, respect, and sharing.
A vibrant cultural space right within the Thang Long Imperial Citadel. Photo: Minh Vu
Following the program is "Greetings from Vietnam," taking the audience on an artistic journey from its roots, through heritage regions to contemporary Vietnam. Traditional music and art from various regions are showcased in a new performance space, presenting to international friends an image of a Vietnam rich in identity, dynamic, creative, open, and connected to the world.
An energetic dance performance by the group UPRIZE. Photo: Minh Vu.
The performance of "Our People Sing Folk Songs," presented by singer Anh Tú, delivered a performance with traditional influences, combining music, dance, and stage art to showcase the beauty of Vietnamese culture in a relatable and youthful way.
The mash-up performance of "Hand in Hand" concluded the closing night of the World Cultural Festival at Thang Long Imperial Citadel with a spectacular fireworks display.
Singer Anh Tú performed two songs to close the closing ceremony. Photo: Minh Vũ
Building on the success of the two previous editions, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will continue to coordinate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the city of Hanoi, UNESCO, diplomatic missions, and international partners to gradually develop the World Cultural Festival in Hanoi into a prestigious international cultural exchange and cooperation platform, held annually, with its own unique identity, and producing concrete collaborative results each year.
Through this, Hanoi aims to become not only a venue for festivals but also a regular meeting point for cultures, where initiatives related to heritage, creativity, cultural industries, and sustainable development are connected and disseminated.
Source: https://laodong.vn/van-hoa-giai-tri/khep-lai-le-hoi-van-hoa-the-gioi-2026-mo-ra-diem-hen-van-hoa-quoc-te-1777385.ldo
