More than 1 million visitors came to the first World Cultural Festival in Hanoi

On the evening of October 12, after 3 days of organization, the first World Cultural Festival in Hanoi officially ended. The closing ceremony at Thang Long Imperial Citadel was attended by leaders of all levels of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, representatives of 48 countries and international organizations.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung said the festival attracted more than 1 million domestic and foreign visitors.

The festival, held for the first time, brought many unique cultural spaces and events such as the exhibition "Cultural Road", international costume show with the theme "Heritage Footsteps", film screenings introducing cultural arts, activities introducing culinary arts of various countries, and 30 international art performances, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors to visit and experience every day.

Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung at the event. (Photo: PV)

Notably, there is also an auction program to support people in difficulty due to the impact of storms. The initial amount of over 2.5 billion VND will be sent to localities affected by floods to rebuild their lives, spreading the message of sharing and sympathy.

The Minister also affirmed that Vietnam has identified cultural and human development as the foundation of sustainable development, and at the same time set the goal of promoting foreign affairs and international integration as essential and regular.

On the way to realizing that goal, a peaceful and stable environment and effective cooperation between countries and like-minded partners are essential.

“We have joined hands to contribute to maintaining international peace and security by strengthening cooperation between countries on culture in accordance with UNESCO's principles; we affirm the pioneering role of culture in promoting international cooperation and building a bridge of friendship between nations, implementing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and bringing common prosperity to the international community,” Minister Nguyen Van Hung commented.

Vietnamese dancers, with a strong Latin sound, performed the song

Vietnamese dancers, with a strong Latin sound, performed "Cuban Wind" on the closing night. (Photo: Minh Anh/Vietnam+)

Also participating in the closing ceremony were Indonesian artists with a wordless performance of “Hello Vietnam” with traditional guitar, cajoon drum and Angklung; a poetry reading of “Yaad” and emotional accompanying dance from Pakistan; Latin-inspired dances and music from Cuba; and a traditional music performance about patriotism and the desire for freedom from Iran.

The host country Vietnam has singer Truc Nhan with two songs “Vietnam Prosperity” and “Made in Vietnam,” Hoang Thuy Linh with “Gieo Que” and the song that was a hit on social networks for a while - “See Tinh” - vibrant and youthful.

Minister Nguyen Van Hung believes that with the attention of the Vietnamese State, the love of culture and the desire to develop culture of the Vietnamese people and the wife of General Secretary To Lam, along with the support and enthusiastic participation of international partners, the World Cultural Festival in Hanoi in the next times will continue to leave a deep impression in the hearts of the Vietnamese people and international friends.

Some photos at the event:

Truc Nhan presents traditional yet modern performances. (Photo: Minh Anh/Vietnam+)

Hoang Thuy Linh's song

Hoang Thuy Linh's song "See Tinh" has become a dance trend on social networks in many countries. (Photo: Minh Anh/Vietnam+)

Dancers accompany the poem

Dancers perform a performance of the poem "Yaad" by famous Pakistani poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz, which depicts the power of memory and nostalgia in moments of loneliness and isolation, which can bring hope, happiness and reunion. (Photo: Minh Anh/Vietnam+)