Experience multiculturalism at the World Culture Festival in Hanoi.

"A journey around the world " in the heart of Hanoi

Taking place from October 1st to 4th with the theme "Gathering Heritage - Shaping the Future," the second World Cultural Festival in Hanoi was organized to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Vietnam's membership in UNESCO (1976-2026). The event brought together 50 countries and international organizations, featuring 45 cultural spaces, 35 food stalls; a film screening program with participation from 20 countries; a fashion space showcasing traditional costumes from 15 countries, along with the participation of 19 international art troupes.

The festival's appeal lies not only in its scale but also in its hands-on experiences. Instead of just browsing through the exhibits, the public can enjoy signature dishes, learn about traditional products, immerse themselves in music and dance, and interact with international artists.

The family of Krishna Aggrawal and Le Thi Duyen.

Having directly participated in the experiences at the booths, Ms. Le Thi Duyen (28 years old, from Bac Giang) said that even though she had spent quite a lot of time visiting the place the day before, her family still returned to continue exploring the activities here.

“I find it very interesting that I can enjoy dozens of unique dishes from many countries around the world without having to travel far. Yesterday, my husband and I tried quite a few things: Polish pastries, Turkish bread, Mexican tacos, and baobab fruit drinks from Angola, but we still haven't explored everything. So, today we're coming back to experience the remaining stalls,” Ms. Duyen shared.

What's special is that Duyen's husband, Krishna Aggrawal, is Indian and currently lives and works in Vietnam. He was impressed that the cuisine, art, and many other unique characteristics of various countries were showcased in one space. "Everything is here. You don't need to search in many different places. I love the food, the culture, the performances, and the activities at the booths," said Krishna Aggrawal.

While cuisine captivates the public with its flavors, music and dance help bridge language barriers. Ms. Nguyen Yen Trang (Thuy Khue ward, Hanoi) shared: "When watching dancers perform on stage, the music makes us want to go on stage and interact with the artists, despite the language barrier."

Locals enthusiastically experienced Indian cuisine at the festival.

Mexican cuisine captivated visitors at the second World Cultural Festival.

According to Ms. Nguyen Thi Thuy Linh (Bo De Ward, Hanoi), participating in festivals with her children is not simply a fun activity, but also an opportunity for them to learn from real-life experiences. Instead of just knowing about countries through books or screens, the children get to directly observe costumes, enjoy cuisine, learn new knowledge, listen to music, and interact with people from different cultures. "Through this, children not only understand and appreciate the cultural values ​​of their own nation, but also broaden their understanding of the world, fostering openness and respect for cultural differences from a young age," Ms. Linh said.

From the food and dances to the interactions between locals and international friends, geographical and linguistic barriers seem to be overcome. Locals and tourists not only "watch" and enjoy, but truly become a part of the festival.

From experience to connection

For Krishna Aggrawal, what was most memorable was the spirit the festival brought. He believed that even though people came from countries with many differences, they could still meet in a shared space.

"Despite their differences, everyone is present here at Thang Long Imperial Citadel, setting aside their differences to showcase their culture and cuisine and enjoy the festive atmosphere. That is what is truly beautiful and meaningful," shared Krishna Aggrawal.

On the morning of October 4th, despite the rain, the final day of the World Culture Festival in Hanoi still attracted a large number of locals and tourists who came to visit and experience the event.

That spirit continued from Thang Long Imperial Citadel to the Hoan Kiem Lake area. On the evening of October 3rd, the "Colors of Five Continents" street festival brought art out of the stage and into the rhythm of urban life. The highlight was a parade of Vietnamese ao dai (traditional dress) combined with traditional costumes from many countries, with the participation of over 1,000 people.

Speaking at the event, Director of the Hanoi Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism Pham Tuan Long emphasized 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 one of the sustainable bridges that bring people closer together, because through it, each person can better understand the history, traditions, way of life, and values ​​that each nation cherishes.

According to Mr. Pham Tuan Long, the significance of "Colors of Five Continents" lies not only in the richness of art or costumes, but more importantly in creating a space for cultures to meet, interact, share, and be respected. Bringing art out of the stage and into community life also contributes to promoting Hoan Kiem Lake as an open cultural space, where tradition meets the contemporary and Hanoi connects with friends from all over the world.

From Thang Long Imperial Citadel to Hoan Kiem Lake, the second World Cultural Festival is demonstrating the connecting power of culture. Differences in language, customs, or art are no longer barriers but opportunities to learn, share, and respect one another.

With its status as a City for Peace, such spaces for interaction contribute to making Hanoi an increasingly accessible meeting point for international friends; at the same time, they spread the image of a capital city rich in tradition, friendly, open, and proactively integrating into the international community.