With the theme "Convergence of Heritage - Shaping the Future," this year's festival brings together participants from 50 countries and international organizations, further affirming the scale and ever-expanding reach of an international cultural and diplomatic event.
Taking place over four days (October 1-4, 2026), the festival creates a comprehensive and diverse program: from exhibitions, performances, cuisine, film, fashion to music and cultural experiences. Artistic direction - General director: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ta Quang Dong, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
Stage demo for the 2nd World Cultural Festival in Hanoi. Photo: Organizing Committee.
Opening Night (8:00 PM, October 1, 2026): "Gathering Heritage - Shaping the Future"
The Opening Ceremony launched an artistic journey celebrating Vietnam, from the depths of its heritage to the global arena of exchange. The program meticulously blended traditional heritage with contemporary artistic language:
Vietnam in Diverse Colors: A complete recreation of the identity of 54 ethnic groups through the performance "Mother's Lullaby," a medley of folk songs from the three regions, Hue Royal Court Music, the song "Southern Land," and the Quan Ho melodies of Bac Ninh .
Five continents converge: A vibrant space of cultural exchange from international art troupes (China, Russia, Peru, Bangladesh, Indonesia , Pakistan, Israel, Azerbaijan, Laos, Ukraine, South Korea...), affirming the spirit of respect for the diversity of human cultures.
Development & a Bright Future: The vitality of Gen Z is ignited as folk elements blend with Rap, Hip-hop, and EDM through performances by Hoa Minzy, Duc Phuc, Truc Nhan, Ha Myo, and Hoang Bach.
Activities and experiences at the Vietnam Ethnic Groups Cultural Tourism Village (Morning of October 2nd, 2026)
The program at the Vietnam National Ethnic Culture and Tourism Village is designed for international delegates to visit, learn about, and experience the distinctive cultural spaces of Vietnam's ethnic communities. Within the framework of the program, delegates have the opportunity to learn about customs, traditions, and traditional crafts; interact with people of various ethnic groups; enjoy folk art performances; and experience traditional cuisine .
The first World Culture Festival in Hanoi in 2025. Photo: Organizing Committee
Through sightseeing, explanations, exchanges, and cultural experiences, the program vividly introduces the richness and diversity of Vietnamese ethnic cultures, thereby enhancing understanding and cultural connection between Vietnam and international friends.
Street Parade "Colors of the Five Continents" (4:00 PM, October 3, 2026)
The program features 15 international art troupes from Europe, Africa, Asia, and South America, showcasing diverse and rich cultural colors; along with Vietnamese artisans and artists performing in ao dai and traditional costumes. The program combines stage performances with the pedestrian street space, creating an open and vibrant cultural exchange environment, introducing the beauty, identity, and distinctive cultural values of the participating countries.
Music Festival "Concert of Five Continents" (October 2 & 3, 2026): An open and inclusive space for cultural exchange.
At the Thang Long Imperial Citadel's Circular Stage, the "Concert of Five Continents" series opens up a space for direct interaction between artists and the public, thereby introducing the diversity of art forms, music, and cultural identities from many regions around the world, bridging the gap between artists and the audience.
International musical dialogue: Performing arts groups from different continents participate in performances, showcasing various musical forms, instruments, and unique aspects of each nation's cultural life, contributing to increased understanding and connection between cultures.
Connecting Heritage with Contemporary Life: This program combines traditional cultural values with modern expression methods and technology through activities such as Cultural Cosplay - Intermingling Vietnamese Colors and the Audition - Developing with Vietnamese Culture segment, produced by VTC. Through these activities, heritage values are approached in a new way, demonstrating that heritage is not static but continuously vibrant and relevant to modern life.
Perspective view of the festival's entrance gate. Photo: Organizing Committee
Closing Ceremony (8:00 PM, October 4, 2026): "Colors Converge - Hand in Hand Towards the Future"
Concluding four vibrant days of festivities, the Closing Ceremony was a moment of reflection to honor and ignite hope for a long-term collaborative journey with the core message: "Closing the festival - Opening a new journey of connection."
The music festival was filled with emotion: Mashup performances of Phong Nu - Co Doi Thuong Ngan, medleys of Hue folk songs - Ly Muoi Thuong - Ly Ngua O, Da Co Hoai Lang... celebrated Vietnam - a land of living heritage.
The grand finale was explosive: The song "Hand in Hand" was performed with the participation of all Vietnamese and international artists, creating a beautiful image of unity under the Hanoi sky - affirming that culture is the most enduring bridge to peace and friendship.
Source: https://vtv.vn/le-hoi-van-hoa-the-gioi-tai-ha-noi-4-ngay-bung-no-trai-nghiem-sac-mau-cac-quoc-gia-100260930204750236.htm
