Strengthening solidarity and friendship.
Opening on the evening of October 1st at Thang Long Imperial Citadel , the second World Cultural Festival in Hanoi, themed “Convergence of Heritage – Shaping the Future,” has become a prominent cultural diplomacy event. The festival's uniqueness lies not only in its scale but also in the way different cultures coexist and engage in dialogue. Each country has the opportunity to showcase its finest aspects while simultaneously opening its doors to understanding and embracing global cultural values. This two-way interaction is key to creating depth and widespread impact for cultural exchange activities.
The traditional brocade weaving art of Pha Biang, Laos, will be showcased at the World Culture Festival in Hanoi 2026. Photo: HS
Laos showcases its traditional weaving art through every piece of cloth, from shoulder scarves (Pha Biang) and flared skirts (Sinh) to vibrant brocade fabrics. Each stitch, from the sacred Naga serpent motifs to Buddhist stupas and lotus flowers, carries a profound spiritual story. Alongside this, the fine art of silver jewelry carving and rustic rattan and bamboo products like the sticky rice basket (Ep Khao) fully reflect the Lao people's philosophy of living in harmony with nature.
Mr. Bounthavy Soundala, Ambassador of Laos to Vietnam, shared that traditional Lao handicrafts not only represent the skillful craftsmanship of artisans but also encapsulate the soul and spiritual lifestyle of the people of Laos. "With a culture that shares many similarities and is close to Vietnam, the presence of Lao heritage at the festival serves as a warm bridge of exchange, further strengthening the special friendship and solidarity between the people of the two countries."
World Heritage: Convergence and Dissemination
Cuban culture is a wondrous blend of Spanish , African, and Caribbean historical influences, creating a vibrant and dynamic identity.
According to the Deputy Ambassador of Cuba to Vietnam, Maiker Comendador Escalante, Cuba not only brings art but also conveys the heartbeat of the Island of Freedom. There, music is the very breath, with its captivating Son, Rumba, and Salsa melodies – intangible cultural heritage that has been recognized by the world.
Cuban Deputy Ambassador Maiker Comendador Escalante (left) introduces the traditional Cuban Guayabera costume. Photo: HS
Beyond the traditional Guayabatta, the rich flavor of its coffee, and the masterful hand-rolled cigars, Cuban culture is most clearly defined by its hospitality, openness, and resilience. Attending the festival in Hanoi holds special significance in honoring the traditional solidarity and unwavering brotherhood between the Vietnamese and Cuban peoples.
The Belgian pavilion (organized by the Belgian Embassy in collaboration with the regional offices of Flanders, Brussels, and Wallonia) offered a harmonious European space blending history and contemporary life. Visitors could learn not only about ancient architecture through the exhibited materials, but also about a treasure trove of Belgian comics, handcrafted beers, and chocolates.
Representing the African continent, Morocco showcased unique Zellige geometric architecture, traditional mint tea brewing techniques, and rustic leather and ceramic handicrafts. The rhythmic sounds of Moroccan folk drums evoked a wild yet warm and hospitable spirit. Meanwhile, Australia presented the long-standing indigenous culture of its people through dot painting, the unique Didgeridoo musical instrument, and messages about preserving marine and natural ecosystems.
Livia Miedl, from the Austrian Embassy in Vietnam, shared that Austria is famous for its high mountain ranges, snowy winters, and outdoor activities such as skiing, ice skating, and hiking. These landscapes are recreated at the festival's booth, with the hope of bringing a part of Austrian culture and heritage to Hanoi.
Camila, a tourist from Peru, shared that learning about and experiencing different cultures at Thang Long Imperial Citadel was a rare opportunity. "The cultural atmosphere at the festival is truly unique, as countries respect differences, share heritage, and promote cooperation and sustainable development. This is what all culture and heritage lovers aspire to."
Promoting a spirit of "co-creation"
According to Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ngo Le Van, the second World Culture Festival in Hanoi is a valuable opportunity for the public to directly experience world cultures through music, art, costumes, and traditional handicrafts.
The festival not only celebrates the quintessential heritage values of Vietnam and international friends, but also serves as a vivid testament to the concretization of the Cultural Diplomacy Strategy until 2030. Through this, we transform cultural heritage into a soft power, promoting mutual respect and understanding, and strengthening friendship among nations.
The festival is expected to create new momentum for heritage preservation linked to creative economic development. Photo: Ho Long
In particular, what the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Vietnam National UNESCO Committee expect most is the lasting value left behind by the event. The meetings at the festival are expected to transform into substantive collaborative projects, fostering a spirit of "co-creation" between Vietnamese and international artists, and elevating Vietnamese art and heritage further on the world cultural map.
For Hanoi, becoming a melting pot of cultures is the way to maximize the advantages of being a City for Peace and a Creative City with a rich history of a thousand years of civilization.
The success of the Festival will create new momentum for heritage preservation linked to creative economic development, laying a solid foundation for long-term cooperation between Hanoi and capitals and cultural centers around the world. It is also an opportunity to awaken national pride in the younger generation, strengthen the connection of the Vietnamese community abroad with their roots; and strongly spread the message of a peaceful, stable, open, and proactively integrated Vietnam.
Source: https://daibieunhandan.vn/le-hoi-van-hoa-the-gioi-tai-ha-noi-lan-thu-hai-van-hoa-nhip-cau-ket-noi-va-kien-tao-hop-tac-10432586.html
