The vibrant colours of five continents illuminate Hanoi's space

More than 1,000 people participated in a parade showcasing Vietnamese ao dai combined with traditional costumes from various countries, creating a diverse cultural space right in the heart of the capital.

As part of the second World Culture Festival in Hanoi, the street festival “The Colours of Five Continents” was held at Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square and the streets surrounding Hoan Kiem Lake.

The program was directed by the Hanoi People's Committee; the Hanoi Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism (VHTT&DL) took the lead, with the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre organising the event.

Attendees included Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Ta Quang Dong; Director of the Department of International Cooperation (Ministry of Culture, Sports & Tourism) Nguyen Phuong Hoa; Director of the Hanoi Department of Culture, Sports & Tourism Pham Tuan Long; representatives of several units under the Ministry of Culture, Sports & Tourism, Hanoi, along with Ambassadors and Representatives of Embassies. (Photo: Tran Huan)

With the theme “Converging Heritage - Creating the Future”, the festival brought various art forms, traditional costumes, and unique cultural features of Vietnam and participating countries closer to the public. The pedestrian space around Hoan Kiem Lake became an open stage for art, performed in direct interaction with residents and tourists.

A convergence of cultures

Speaking at the event, Director of the Hanoi Department of Culture, Sports & Tourism, Pham Tuan Long, emphasised the significance of organising the programme at Hoan Kiem Lake – a space that preserves many layers of historical and cultural values of Thang Long - Hanoi.

According to Pham Tuan Long, the participation of art troupes, artists, and artisans from many countries created a lively and open international cultural meeting. Through music, traditional costumes, and performance art, the public had more opportunities to learn about the history, traditions, lifestyles, and values cherished by each nation.

One of the highlights of the program was the parade of Vietnamese ao dai, combined with traditional costumes from various countries, which gathered over 1,000 participants. The ao dai and vibrant traditional costumes created a diverse array of images on the streets around Hoan Kiem Lake.

This year's festival featured art troupes and cultural organisations from 15 countries, including Austria, Angola, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, China, Iran, Laos, Mongolia, Morocco, the Philippines, Spain, Ukraine, Peru, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam.

Director of the Hanoi Department of Culture, Sports & Tourism Pham Tuan Long. (Photo: Tran Huan)

The performances introduced many unique art forms and cultures, from traditional Persian music and Mexican and Peruvian folk dances to traditional performances from the UAE and the Republic of Korea's Taekwondo. Also participating were members of the Lion - Dragon Dance, traditional art artisans and artists of the capital, women of the capital, the Vietnamese Ao Dai Culture Club, models, and artists.

The diversity of participants helped the festival create multiple layers of performances. Alongside international art troupes were performances rich in Vietnamese cultural identity, with ao dai and traditional art as key highlights throughout the program.

The festival also encouraged the participation of multi-generational families, aiming for a community cultural space where generations could come together and experience. Thus, cultural activities were not only for specialised audiences but became part of urban life and weekend activities for residents.

The public performances allowed residents and tourists to directly participate in the festival atmosphere. (Photo: Tran Huan)

Bringing art closer to the community

The parade route started from the Department of Culture, Sports & Tourism, passed Ba Kieu Temple, and ended at the main stage at Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square. Along the journey, the public enjoyed music, traditional art, and costume performances.

The public performances allowed residents and tourists to directly participate in the festival atmosphere. Instead of enjoying art in a fixed performance space, the public could meet artists, art troupes, and various cultural groups right on the central streets of Hanoi.

According to the Hanoi Department of Culture, Sports & Tourism, organising art activities at Hoan Kiem Lake has gradually enriched the capital's cultural life.

Along with “The Colours of Five Continents”, Hanoi has organised many programmes at Hoan Kiem Lake and in public spaces, including the Crescendo International Music Festival - Hanoi 2026, the second Thang Long - Hanoi Festival, the International Jazz Festival in Hanoi, and community art programmes.

Through the parade and performances, the public had the opportunity to directly access various cultural features. (Photo: Tran Huan)

Notably, the “Weekend Music” project at the Octagonal House, Ly Thai To Flower Garden, is gradually becoming a regular, accessible space for enjoying art for residents and tourists. These activities help make public cultural spaces more vibrant while also creating more opportunities for art to be present in urban life.

In “The Colours of Five Continents”, this spirit was expressed through the collaboration between domestic and international art troupes. Differences in language, costumes, music, and performance forms did not create distance but became elements that enriched the program.

Through the parade and performances, the public had the opportunity to directly access various cultural features, while also gaining a deeper understanding of Vietnam's traditional values. This was also an opportunity to promote the image of Hanoi – a City for Peace, a capital rich in tradition, friendliness, openness, and integration.

The Hanoi Department of Culture, Sports & Tourism will continue to collaborate with domestic and international agencies and organisations to create more spaces for exchange, bring art closer to the community, and promote the image of the capital.

“The Colours of Five Continents” adds a community-rich activity. (Photo: Tran Huan)

The street festival “The Colours of Five Continents” concluded a day of cultural events with diverse performances at Hoan Kiem Lake. From Vietnamese ao dai, traditional costumes of various countries, to music and folk art, the program demonstrated the allure of culture when brought into the community space.

As part of the second World Culture Festival in Hanoi, “The Colours of Five Continents” added a community-rich activity, contributing to the honouring of traditional cultural values, expanding cultural exchanges, and bringing Hanoi's image closer to international friends.

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