Closing the colorful World Cultural Festival in Hanoi

The festival attracts a large number of locals and tourists to come and enjoy the colorful atmosphere of the biggest international festival ever in Hanoi. Photo: Pham Sy.

Taking place from October 10 to 12 with the spirit of “Connecting – Sharing – Spreading love”, the event gathered a large number of international friends, artists, social organizations, businesses and Vietnamese people to join hands to support compatriots in areas heavily affected by natural disasters. This is not only a large-scale cultural activity, but also a symbol of solidarity, sharing and global responsibility in the face of challenges such as climate change.

The festival space was brilliantly decorated, filled with colors from traditional dances, national costume performances, to international cuisine and Vietnamese art performances with the message " The world beats together with love". All created a vivid picture of friendship and harmony between nations.

Permanent Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Le Hai Binh and Vice Chairman of Hanoi People's Committee Nguyen Manh Quyen presented souvenirs to embassies of countries participating in the festival. Photo: Pham Sy.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung said: Sustainable, creative and inclusive development has become the goal of many countries in the world. Vietnam is not outside that common orbit. The Vietnamese State has identified sustainable development on the basis of cultural and human development as the foundation; promoting foreign affairs and international integration is essential and regular. On the way to realizing that goal, a very important condition is to have a peaceful , stable environment and effective cooperation between countries and like-minded partners.

Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung speaks: Photo: Pham Sy.

The Minister affirmed that the first World Cultural Festival in Vietnam is a vivid proof, originating from the initiative of Mrs. Ngo Phuong Ly - Wife of General Secretary To Lam - about organizing a cultural event of international stature in the capital Hanoi - a place to honor the unique beauty of each country, affirm the power of culture in connecting people with people, and is a vivid picture of solidarity in the diversity of humanity.

“We have spent memorable days together, witnessing the wonderful exchange of cultures from around the world at the historic Thang Long Imperial Citadel – a world cultural heritage recognized by UNESCO – within the framework of the first World Cultural Festival. We have shared, learned and overcome all language and geographical barriers to become closer together,” said Mr. Nguyen Van Hung.

The first Hanoi World Cultural Festival officially ended, attracting about 1 million people and tourists. Photo: Pham Sy.

The World Culture Festival in Hanoi is considered an important initiative in honoring the diversity of cultures, demonstrating a new step forward in Vietnam's cultural diplomacy. With many rich forms of expression - from performing arts, fashion, music, cinema, fine arts, photography, to cuisine and literature - the event creates a multidimensional cultural picture, opening up opportunities for exchange and cooperation for domestic and foreign artists.

Not just an international cultural event, the World Cultural Festival in Hanoi has become a bridge connecting the community, contributing to arousing the spirit of humanity and social responsibility. The festival shows that culture is not only a mirror reflecting the beauty and creativity of human beings, but also a source of inspiration to nurture compassion, the spirit of recovery and solidarity among peoples.

Auction to support flood victims during the Festival. Photo: Pham Sy.

With its scale, organization and strong influence, the World Cultural Festival in Hanoi has left a deep impression on the public and international friends, affirming the position of the Capital as a cultural destination, a place to gather and spread the good values of humanity.

It can be said that the success of the festival lies not only in the brilliance of colors, music or art, but more importantly in the humane message conveyed: Culture is a bridge for people to understand, love and together build a peaceful and humane world.

Some special and impressive images at the closing ceremony:

The vibrant performances of male singer Truc Nhan at the closing night left an impression on local people and international visitors. Photo: Pham Sy.

The performance of young people performing traditional musical instruments combined with electronic music with a new arrangement is modern, youthful and attractive. Photo: Pham Sy.