A convergence of cultures from many countries.
With the theme "Convergence of Heritage - Shaping the Future," the 2nd World Cultural Festival was held to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Vietnam's membership in UNESCO (1976-2026). Activities took place at Thang Long Imperial Citadel and several venues in Hanoi, ranging from art performances, film, fashion, and cuisine to technology-based programs.
A performance at the first World Cultural Festival in 2025. Photo: HOA PHUONG
Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Ta Quang Dong emphasized that the festival aims to showcase the diverse cultural colors of Vietnam and other countries, while also serving as a space for cultural dialogue, where nations share their unique values and find common ground in their diversity. Each culture contributes a color to the overall picture, creating a vibrant and diverse atmosphere for the festival.
That atmosphere was first and foremost evident in the opening ceremony on the evening of October 1st at Thang Long Imperial Citadel. Young singers Duc Phuc, Hoa Minzy, Truc Nhan, Hoang Bach, and many other artists, performance groups, and traditional Vietnamese art units participated in performances alongside art troupes from Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, China, Indonesia , Israel, South Korea, Laos, Pakistan, Peru, and more.
On the closing night of October 4th, Huong Tram, Anh Tu, singer Kieu Anh, the band UPRIZE, and many other domestic artists will perform alongside international art troupes from Belgium, Bulgaria, Cambodia, India, Iran, Mexico, Myanmar, the Philippines , Russia, and the United Arab Emirates.
In addition to the two main programs, this year's festival also features 45 cultural spaces and 35 food stalls. The film screening program has 18 participating countries; the fashion area has 19 countries submitting traditional costumes; and 20 international art troupes are participating in the festival.
The organizers transformed the festival into a multi-space event where the public could watch films, enjoy art, and learn about costumes and cuisine . Activities were arranged in various locations throughout Hanoi, including public spaces familiar to locals and tourists.
Heritage told through technology.
A new feature at the festival is the "Spreading Creativity from Heritage - International Games Festival" area. Here, technology products inspired by Vietnamese history and culture are introduced to the public. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, in collaboration with Vietnamese businesses, introduces, releases, and operates electronic games in this field.
Activities such as cosplay competitions (dressing up as game characters) and dance performances based on game choreography are also included in the program. This approach targets a younger audience, incorporating historical and cultural elements into forms of entertainment familiar to them.
Along with the International Games Festival, the event also includes a parade and performance of traditional costumes from various countries in the pedestrian area around Hoan Kiem Lake; and opportunities to learn about costumes, enjoy cuisine, and access cultural stories from different nations at the Vietnam Ethnic Culture and Tourism Village.
"The activities at the festival demonstrated the effectiveness of technology and creative industries in opening up new ways to tell the story of heritage. Historical and cultural materials can be transformed into products and experiential forms suitable for today's public," said Nguyen Phuong Hoa, Director of the Department of International Cooperation.
The 2nd World Culture Festival is expected to open up more spaces for Hanoi to meet different cultures, from traditional values to new forms of expression. Through this, cultural stories will have more opportunities to reach the public and connect Vietnam with international friends.
The 2nd World Cultural Festival will feature the launch of the "International Decade for Culture for Sustainable Development" initiative, covering the period 2027-2036. This initiative, launched by Vietnam, was adopted by the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly on September 4th. The initiative marks a significant step forward in efforts to promote culture as an essential driver of sustainable development globally.
VINH XUAN
Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/le-hoi-van-hoa-the-gioi-hap-dan-da-sac-mau-post873775.html
