World culture festival concludes in Hanoi after four days of exchange

The closing ceremony was held at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel in the presence of National Assembly Vice President Nguyen Thi Thanh, representatives of ministries and sectors, ambassadors, diplomatic missions and international organisations.

Held under the theme “Convergence of Heritage – Shaping the Future”, this year's festival featured 45 cultural spaces, 19 international art troupes, 35 food stalls and a programme showcasing films from nearly 20 national cinemas.

The festival also held special significance as Vietnam marks the 50th anniversary of joining UNESCO, highlighting the country’s journey from a nation emerging from war to an active and responsible UNESCO member increasingly contributing initiatives to shared global issues.

Four days of culture, art and connection

In her closing remarks, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Lam Thi Phuong Thanh said the festival has demonstrated how heritage, performing arts, cinema, fashion, cuisine, tourism and new forms of creativity could come together to generate new products and values and attract audiences.

She viewed the event as a practical illustration of the role of cultural industries in turning creativity, cultural identity and heritage assets into endogenous strength, competitiveness and national soft power.

From Hanoi, the festival also conveyed a message of greater understanding and connection through cultural exchange, she said, stressing the importance of respecting differences, sharing values and promoting cultural cooperation towards a civilised, peaceful, cooperative and developing world.

The closing ceremony featured an artistic programme in two chapters, “Colours Meet” and “Greetings from Vietnam”, bringing together international art troupes and Vietnamese performers.

“Colours Meet” created a multicultural stage through music and dance from Iran, Russia, Mexico, Myanmar and Belgium, alongside performances by young Vietnamese artists. Different languages and traditions came together in an atmosphere of openness, respect and sharing.

“Greetings from Vietnam” then took audiences on an artistic journey from the country's roots and heritage to contemporary Vietnam, combining traditional musical and artistic elements from different regions with new forms of stage presentation.

The programme offered international audiences an image of Vietnam as a country rich in cultural identity, dynamic, creative, open and increasingly connected with the world.

Connections continue

For audiences in Hanoi, the festival provided an opportunity to encounter cultures from around the world through performances, food, art and direct interaction with international participants.

Nguyen Ngoc Lam Anh, a first-year student at the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, said she enjoyed discovering the distinctive cultures and customs of different countries through the festival.

Nguyen Kim Dung, a resident of Ba Dinh Ward in Hanoi, told VOV she was particularly moved by performances featuring traditional musical instruments from different countries.

At the closing ceremony, the organising committee presented festival commemorative medals to participating international delegations in honour of the artists, artisans and guests who had brought their talent, cultural identities and spirit of sharing to Hanoi.

After four days, the second Cultures of the World Festival in Hanoi has come to an end. But the cultural encounters created through its music, colours, stories and friendships are set to continue, carrying the image of a culturally rich, friendly, creative and open Vietnam to audiences beyond the festival.

2nd Cultures of the World Festival opens in vibrant celebration

VOV.VN - The second Cultures of the World Festival officially opened on the evening of October 1 at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel special national relic site, unfolding amid a colorful convergence of Vietnamese and global cultures on stage.