Locals and international friends alike immersed themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of the "Colors of Five Continents" festival - Photo: chinhphu.vn/ Ngoc Han
An open and vibrant space for cultural exchange.
Speaking at the festival, Pham Tuan Long, Director of the Hanoi Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said that Hanoi, as the capital city with a thousand years of cultural heritage, is also a city that is always open and proactive in connecting with international friends. In the journey of integration, culture is always one of the most sustainable bridges to bring people closer together.
Through culture, we gain a deeper understanding of history, traditions, ways of life, and the values that each nation cherishes. Therefore, the significance of "Colors of Five Continents" lies not only in the richness of art and costumes, but more importantly, in creating a space for cultures to meet, interact, share, and be respected.
Today, the Vietnamese ao dai, along with traditional costumes from other countries, folk music , dance, and performing arts, are all present on the streets around Hoan Kiem Lake. Art is brought out of the stage and integrated into daily life; locals and tourists not only enjoy but also directly become part of the festival.
This is also how we promote Hoan Kiem Lake – a historical and cultural symbol of Hanoi – as an open cultural space where tradition meets the contemporary, art comes closer to the community, and Hanoi connects with friends from all over the world.
The Lion and Dragon Dance Troupe delivered a vibrant performance at the "Colors of Five Continents" festival - Photo: chinhphu.vn/Ngoc Han
Recently, Hanoi has organized many cultural and artistic activities in the Hoan Kiem Lake area and other public spaces of the capital city, such as the Crescendo International Music Festival - Hanoi 2026, the 2nd Thang Long - Hanoi Festival, the Hanoi International Jazz Festival, and many community art programs.
In particular, the "Weekend Music" project at the Octagonal House in Ly Thai To Flower Garden is gradually creating a familiar and regular space for enjoying art for residents and tourists. Through this, Hanoi's public cultural spaces are becoming increasingly vibrant, serving as meeting points between art, community, and urban life.
In an increasingly interconnected world , culture and art possess a unique power: bringing people closer together without needing a shared language; fostering empathy without diminishing diversity. Each nation has its own identity, each culture its own beauty. It is these differences, when viewed with respect and openness, that enrich the cultural tapestry of humanity.
The group carrying the national flags of the participating countries at the "Colors of Five Continents" festival demonstrates the spirit of exchange, solidarity, and international cultural connection - Photo: chinhphu.vn/Ngoc Han
As a City for Peace, Hanoi aspires to continue being a destination for cultural encounters, people-to-people exchanges, and international connections. The Hanoi Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism will continue to effectively implement Resolution 80-NQ/TW and Resolution 26-NQ/TW; closely coordinate with international agencies and organizations to create cultural exchange spaces, bringing art to the community and contributing to showcasing the image of Hanoi as a capital city rich in identity, open, creative, and integrated.
"We believe that through encounters in music, art, and culture, understanding will be broadened, friendship will be fostered, and bridges of cooperation will be extended. 'Colors of Five Continents' is therefore not only a festival of art, but also an affirmation of the power of culture in connecting people: differences are not distances; culture can become a bridge for us to understand each other better, appreciate each other more, and together move towards peace, friendship, and development," Mr. Pham Tuan Long shared.
A performance of traditional art forms from the capital city - Photo: chinhphu.vn/Ngoc Han
A diverse and rich cultural tapestry within the capital city.
With the theme "Convergence of Heritage - Shaping the Future," the "Colors of Five Continents" festival is designed as an open and vibrant space for cultural exchange. Through the ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dress), performing arts, and street activities, the program showcases the unique values of Vietnamese culture, while also creating opportunities for participating countries to share, interact, and celebrate the distinctive cultural characteristics of each nation.
A highlight of the "Colors of Five Continents" street festival was the parade of Vietnamese ao dai (traditional dress) combined with traditional costumes from various countries, bringing together over 1,000 people. The Vietnamese ao dai and the colorful traditional costumes of other nations created a diverse and rich cultural tapestry in the heart of the capital city.
This year's festival features performances by art troupes and cultural organizations from multiple countries, including Austria, Angola, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, China, Iran, Laos, Mongolia, Morocco, the Philippines, Spain , Ukraine, Peru, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam.
A parade of artists from participating countries at the festival - Photo: chinhphu.vn/Ngoc Han
The participation of international art troupes brought a diverse range of art forms and unique cultural heritage, from traditional Persian music, Mexican and Peruvian folk dances, traditional UAE performing arts to Korean Taekwondo. Accompanying the international troupes were members of the Lion Dance troupe, artisans, traditional art artists from Hanoi, Hanoi women, the Vietnam Ao Dai Culture Club, models, and artists.
The program encourages the participation of multi-generational families, aiming to build a culturally rich and communal space where generations, communities, and cultures can coexist, interact, and connect.
Throughout the event, the public will enjoy musical performances, traditional arts, and costume shows. 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 accessible to locals and tourists.
The parade of the Hanoi Women's Union at the "Colors of Five Continents" festival made a strong impression with its large contingent, highlighting the graceful beauty and unique cultural values of the Vietnamese ao dai (traditional dress) - Photo: chinhphu.vn/Ngoc Han
Through each performance, each colorful costume, and every step in the parade, the "Colors of Five Continents" festival contributes to creating a multifaceted cultural space where traditional values are continued in contemporary life and cultures have the opportunity to meet and share.
As a member of the parade delegation from the Hanoi Women's Union, Ms. Nguyen Thi Du, from Nghia Do ward (Hanoi), could not hide her pride and emotion at being able to directly participate in such a special cultural event. For her, this was the first time she had immersed herself in the festive atmosphere and experienced an international cultural program up close and in such a genuine way.
Representing the women of Nghia Do ward in the "Colors of Five Continents" program, Ms. Du hopes to contribute to spreading the beautiful cultural values of the traditional ao dai dress. From the cultural space of Vietnam, she hopes that the ao dai will become a bridge connecting with friends from all over the world, so that the beauty and cultural values of Vietnam will continue to be introduced and spread more widely to international friends.
With the convergence of heritage values, traditional arts, costumes, and people from many countries, "Colors of Five Continents" has created a vibrant cultural space in the heart of Hanoi – where heritage is celebrated, identity is shared, and common human values are connected to build a better future.
Ngoc Han - Minh Thu
Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/le-hoi-duong-pho-sac-mau-nam-chau-noi-sac-mau-van-hoa-da-quoc-gia-hoi-tu-10226100322285388.htm
