“Cultural Festival for Peace” revives Hanoi’s Liberation Day
The “Cultural Festival for Peace” was held in Hanoi on October 6, gathering a large number of artists, artisans, and representatives from 30 districts in the city.
A reenactment of October 10, 1954, when the Vietnamese army triumphantly entered the capital city filled with flags, flowers, and the euphoria of victory. (Photo: VietnamPlus)
Hanoi (VNA) 𝔍– The “Cultural Festival for Peace” was held in Hanoi on October 6, gathering a large number of artists, artisans, and representatives from 30 districts in the city.
The event formed part of activities marking the 70th anniversary of the city’s Liberation Day (October 10, 1954 - 2024) and the 25 years since it received the title "City for Peace" (July 16, 1999).
More than 10,000 people participated in parades and performances of folk art forms, including intangible cultural heritage recognised by UNESCO and the nation, as well as traditional cultural features unique to the capital.
Featuring Hanoi with its flow of heritage and as a “City for Peace” and “Creative City”, the festival recreates the historical milestones of the capital, and promotes its tangible and intangible cultural heritage, festivals, and typical craft villages.
The highlight of the event was a performance reenacting the liberation troop's entering Hanoi on October 10, 1954, to take over the capital city.
The reenactment saw the participation of nearly 1,000 soldiers and 200 performers, alongside 5,000 local residents, artists, and musicians who brought to the festival a collection of significant historical moments in Hanoi’s past.
Spectators were treated to performances depicting 60 days and nights of fierce fighting in the heart of the city, a powerful tribute to the heroism of the Vietnamese people during the French resistance.
The event also showcased Hanoi’s vibrant cultural heritage, featuring intangible cultural traditions recognised by both UNESCO and Vietnam. These included folk performances such as Senh Tien and Bai Bong dance, dragon dance, water puppetry, Ca Tru or ceremonial singing - a complex form of sung poetry found in the north of Vietnam, and performances of traditional crafts.
In his opening remarks, Chairman of the municipal People's Committee Tran Sy Thanh said the festival aims to spread the message on the value of culture, peace and creativity of Thang Long-Hanoi people through different periods.
Thanh expressed great gratitude to ancestors who founded and developed Thanh Long-Hanoi, President Ho Chi Minh and heroic martyrs, Hanoi residents, and overseas Vietnamese community for their contributions to the construction and defence of the capital city.
He said that the festival is a chance to affirm the noble qualities and values of the time-honored, heroic, peaceful and friendly Hanoi and the Vietnamese nation as a whole, as well as Vietnamese people's aspirations for peace.
A performance reenacting the liberation troop's entering the capital city on October 10, 1954, to take over Hanoi. (Photo: VietnamPlus)
UN Resident Coordinator and Head of UN Organisations in Vietnam Pauline Tamesis affirmed that Hanoi, with over 1,000 years of culture and history, always demonstrates its resilience and the spirit of rebirth. After the historic liberation, local leaders and residents have revitalised and built a city with innovation, integration, and prosperity. The title "City for Peace," awarded by UNESCO in 1999, and UNESCO's recognition of the city as a Creative City in 2019, demonstrate Hanoi’s efforts in renewing itself through years.
According to her, the UN has maintained a long-lasting and effective partnership with the capital, and has accompanied the city in its remarkable transformation, especially since Hanoi was recognised by UNESCO as the first Creative City in Vietnam.
The city has made significant efforts in preserving both its tangible and intangible heritage, showcasing the dynamic interplay between Hanoi's rich history and modern, innovative elements, she said.
She also emphasised the strong commitment of the city administration to foster close collaboration between the public and private sectors in developing creative cultural industries with the youth as the core.
Hanoi has always defined culture as a vital driving force for its socio-economic development, Tamesis added./.
A book exhibition celebrating the 70th anniversary of Hanoi’s Liberation Day (October 10) will take place at the National Library of Vietnam in the capital city from October 9-13.
The archival documents are original artifacts that allow the public to access authentic and reliable sources of historical data regarding the takeover of the Hanoi capital on October 10, 1954.
The capital city of Hanoi is set to celebrate the 70th anniversary of its Liberation Day (October 10) with a vibrant programme led by the Hanoi Women's Union.
The ambassador noted that among the 300,000 Vietnamese residing in the RoK, around 3,000 are living in Pyeongtaek and contributing actively to the local economy. Ho expressed his hope that the local authorities will continue support the overseas Vietnamese community in the city.
This is the first time since the adoption of the Convention that a country has served two consecutive terms on the Committee. The outcome shows the trust and recognition that member states have given Vietnam for its efforts and achievements in carrying out and promoting the Convention, as well as for its active role, strong standing, and growing credibility at UNESCO.
Quang Duc pottery is known for its wide range of forms, including wine bottles, jars, lime pots, vases, plant pots, incense burners and candle stands. Decorative motifs are equally rich, featuring mythical creatures, pastoral scenes, floral patterns, deer, peacocks, bats and more.
Vietnam’s cinematic appeal lies in its diverse settings, from terraced mountains and limestone karsts to bustling markets and ancient towns. Its mix of ethnic vibes, buzzing street life, and old traditions gives directors a goldmine for storytelling.
The Vietnamese team will gather on June 26 in Ba Ria-Vung Tau, where they will train until July 14 before departing for Indonesia for the ASEAN U23 Championship 2025, which runs from July 15 to 29. Vietnam will face Laos on July 19 and Cambodia on July 22 in the group stage.
The exhibition showcases more than 100 valuable documents and artifacts, divided into two main parts: “Journalist Nguyen Ai Quoc – Ho Chi Minh” and “President Ho Chi Minh – Founder and Mentor of Vietnamese Revolutionary Press.” This is an opportunity to recall the late leader’s journalism journey and affirm his exceptional role in founding and guiding the revolutionary press in Vietnam.
For the first time, the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) has granted Vietnam hosting rights for the two championships, including the Asian women’s solo category, which debuts this year as an officially recognised event.
Eight teams will join the tournament, divided into two groups. Group A features Vietnam, the Philippines, Sichuan Club (China), and Australia, while Group B consists of Vietnam U21, Korabelka Club (Russia), Taiwan (China), and U21 Thailand.
Despite strong home support and high expectations, Vietnam were unable to overcome the defending champions, who secured their third consecutive win over Vietnam in a regional final, following previous victories in 2014 and 2023.
The event, part of Vietnam’s cultural diplomacy strategy through 2030, was jointly organised by the Vietnamese Embassy in Venezuela and USM’s Faculty of International Relations. It attracted thousands of students from universities across Venezuela.
For the first time, Vietnamese audiences will have the opportunity to experience the ballet masterpiece "Don Quixote" in its original version by renowned choreographer Marius Petipa.
The contest carried deep meaning as it was the first time the life of Vietnamese women abroad had been highlighted as the central theme, said poet and writer Nguyen Quang Thieu, Chairman of the Vietnam Writers’ Association.
The event formed part of Vietnam’s ongoing campaign to seek UNESCO World Heritage status for the complex at the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, scheduled to take place in Paris in July.
Creative cultural festivals are fast emerging as a new catalyst for tourism development in Vietnam, as localities increasingly invest in these vibrant events on a more systematic and larger scale.
This marks the first time Vietnam has hosted a continental-level Muay event which will feature competitions across 28 weight categories in combat and eight performance categories.
Coming to the Vietnamese booth, visitors had the chance to take part in a bamboo dance, a workshop on painting woven bamboo or rattan, or quizzes about Vietnam.
These are impressive achievements, not only showing the efforts and prowess of Vietnamese paddlers but also serving as proof of the sports sector’s strategic and systematic investment.
