International friends impressed by Hanoi’s 2nd World Culture Festival

Held from October 1-4 at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel Heritage Site, the 2nd World Culture Festival in Hanoi, themed “Converging Heritage – Shaping the Future,” has become a unique meeting point, evoking unforgettable emotions for international friends who visit and experience the event.

Within the festival's framework, 45 cultural spaces and 35 culinary booths from various countries hosted engaging exchange activities, helping spread the spirit of solidarity and friendship among nations while leaving an indelible mark on international friends.

International scale

The Deputy Director of the French Institute in Vietnam enthusiastically introduces French culture to international friends. (Photo: Tran Dung)

At the French booth, Mr. Franck Bolgiani, Deputy Director of the French Institute in Vietnam, expressed his impression of the festival's scale and organisation: “This is the second time we have participated in the event, and everything is truly wonderful. This year, the festival has more cultural spaces and booths compared to last year, and the organisation has become increasingly professional and meticulous. This shows that the event has become more international.”

According to him, the notable aspect of the festival lies not only in its scale but also in the investment from participating countries. Each delegation devotes effort and passion to its cultural space, creating a vibrant experience akin to travelling through many countries.

“The exchange activities, performances, and unique culinary booths serve as a bridge for Vietnamese audiences and visitors from many countries around the world to connect and bond more deeply,” Mr. Franck Bolgiani emphasised.

Confidence in future festivals

The Deputy Ambassador of Cuba in Vietnam shares cultural exchanges with Vietnamese youth. (Photo: Tran Dung)

Sharing his special affection for Vietnam, Mr. Maiker Comendador Escalante, Deputy Ambassador of Cuba to Vietnam, emphasised the bond between the two nations.

“Cuba and Vietnam have a very special traditional friendship. The hospitality, sincerity, and warmth of the people here always make me feel like a true Vietnamese rather than a foreign guest,” he shared.

For the Cuban diplomatic representative, Vietnam is focusing on promoting its unique cultural identity to the world.

He expressed confidence: “I believe that perhaps next year, on the occasion of the APEC Year, a very important event in Vietnam, we will have the third World Culture Festival in Hanoi. I am confident it will be a wonderful event, and Vietnam will continue to achieve success.”

Diverse cuisine and unique attire

Ms. Patience (right) is excited to experience booths from many countries. (Photo: Tran Dung)

Returning for the second time to the World Culture Festival in Hanoi, Ms. Patience from Nigeria was thrilled to immerse herself in the event's vibrant atmosphere.

For Patience, the festival is an opportunity to indulge her passion for exploring multicultural cuisines: “Since I have always been excited to explore the foods of different countries, being able to taste them directly like this is very enjoyable.”

Patience shared her impression of the traditional costumes from various countries around the world and particularly favoured the attire from Angola.

Opportunities for cross-border friendship and connection

Ms. Anna (left) and Ms. Alsu enjoy Russian cuisine. (Photo: Tran Dung)

Sharing their interesting moments at the event, Ms. Anna and Ms. Alsu from Russia could not hide their surprise at encountering fellow countrymen at various international booths.

“It’s surprising that we can meet people from our country at a multicultural event in Hanoi. We met a few Russians near the Argentina booth, the Cuba booth, and of course, at the Russian booth,” they shared.

Ms. Anna emphasised that the festival is not only a place to experience culture but also an opportunity to expand social interactions and make friends with Vietnamese people and visitors from all over the world.

She noted: “We will definitely continue to immerse ourselves in the festival's vibrant atmosphere, meet new friends, and have many memorable experiences.”

International visitors attentively explore the culture of other countries. (Photo: Tran Dung)

The 2nd World Culture Festival in Hanoi continues to affirm its role as a bridge of friendship, celebrating cultural diversity and spreading the image of a hospitable, integrated Vietnam.

More than just a simple meeting point, the event helps strengthen solidarity among nations in the heart of the capital, raising expectations for a breakthrough in external relations.

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