Vibrant Vietnamese Cultural Festival at Far Eastern Federal University (FEFU), Russia

The Vietnamese Cultural Festival is an annual event at Far Eastern Federal University. (Photo: Vietnamese Consulate General in Vladivostok)

The event is a meaningful cultural rendezvous, attracting a large number of international students and the Vietnamese community in the area. It was honoured by the attendance and speeches of Mr. Nguyen Viet Kien, Vietnamese Consul General in Vladivostok, and Mr. Evgeniy Evgenievich Vlasov, Vice Rector of Far Eastern Federal University.

The event is a meaningful cultural rendezvous, attracting a large number of international students and the Vietnamese community in the area. (Photo: Vietnamese Consulate General in Vladivostok)

Hopes for the young generation

At the opening ceremony, Consul General Nguyen Viet Kien and Mr. Evgeniy Evgenievich Vlasov emphasized the significance of cultural exchange in strengthening friendship and mutual understanding among Vietnamese, Russian, and international students.

Consul General Nguyen Viet Kien speaks at the opening of the Festival. (Photo: Vietnamese Consulate General in Vladivostok)

Consul General Nguyen Viet Kien stated that the theme “Return to the roots” of the Festival is full of meaning. It is not only a cultural theme but also a journey back to history, to national traditions, and to the sacred values that have shaped the Vietnamese soul over thousands of years of nation-building and defense.

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This year’s festival coincides with the Vietnamese people's commemoration of the Hung Kings’ death anniversary and the celebration of the liberation of the South and the reunification of Vietnam, affirming the strength of national spirit, patriotism, solidarity, and the aspiration to rise of the Vietnamese people in general and the young generation in particular.

According to the Consul General, for today’s young Vietnamese generation, especially those studying and researching abroad, these historical values hold even deeper significance. Students are deeply aware that studying in an international environment and accessing modern knowledge and advanced science is a valuable opportunity for each young person to enhance their capabilities and prepare to contribute to the country's development in the future.

The Consul General affirmed that as Vietnamese students at FEFU, they should always be proud to be cultural bridges between Vietnam and the Russian Federation – two nations with a traditional friendship built and nurtured over many generations.

Therefore, the responsibility of the young generation is not only to study and train themselves well but also to preserve national cultural identity, promote the friendly and rich traditions of Vietnam to international friends, and contribute to strengthening the Vietnam-Russia friendship.

At the same time, the activities of the Festival help Russian and international students gain a deeper understanding of the unique aspects of Vietnamese history, culture, values, and spirit, finding commonalities in the culture and spirit of Vietnamese and Russian people, thereby further strengthening the bonds of friendship and brotherhood between the two nations.

Mr. Evgeniy Evgenievich Vlasov, Vice Rector in charge of International Relations at FEFU, Director of the Oriental Institute, speaks. (Photo: Vietnamese Consulate General in Vladivostok)

In his speech, Mr. Vlasov expressed his joy at witnessing the event taking place in the university’s prestigious hall and emphasized the special significance of this time as both nations look forward to commemorating significant victories.

Looking towards the historic month of May, Mr. Vlasov noted that this period will feature a series of important events such as the “Rectors Forum of Russian and Vietnamese Universities” and the celebration of President Ho Chi Minh’s birthday. He recalled with reverence the great leader of the Vietnamese nation, who visited Vladivostok three times and laid a solid foundation for the Russia-Vietnam friendship.

Sharing his personal connection, Mr. Vlasov stated that despite spending many years studying the Vietnamese language and culture, he continues to learn diligently due to the ever-evolving language and the relationship between the two countries.

He proudly recalled the decades-long tradition of the Vietnam Research Center at FEFU in training language experts and generations of Vietnamese students. He placed his hopes in the young generation, who will serve as bridges, conveying language and cultural essence between the two nations in the future.

The dance performance “Hello Vietnam” by Vietnamese and Russian students. (Photo: Vietnamese Consulate General in Vladivostok)

The vibrant spirit of Vietnam spreads

It can be said that the festival space vividly recreated a miniature Vietnam with: A special cultural program featuring traditional dances and songs praising the homeland; Experiencing folk games: International youth were extremely excited to try traditional games for the first time, such as learning about Vietnamese history, playing “chuyen”, bamboo dancing, Dong Ho painting, Vietnamese calligraphy, hat painting, or engaging in knowledge and creative games like guessing the secret of Pho, quizzes about Vietnam, and checking in at the Vietnam corner... The booths and experiential activities created a vibrant festival atmosphere, rich in Vietnamese essence.

Vietnamese quizzes attracted many young participants. (Photo: Vietnamese Consulate General in Vladivostok)

Ukhalov Danil Sergeevich, a young Russian who has been involved with the Vietnamese Cultural Festival since its inception, shared his love for the Vietnamese language, an interesting and rich language. He recounted his study journey and unforgettable memories during his field trip to Hanoi, from the daily life of the people, to the streets, the food, especially the unique taste of Hanoi Pho, different from Pho in Russia… all deeply etched in his mind.

It is the culture and people of Vietnam that have made him more attached and fond of the country. He is also passionate about assisting in teaching Vietnamese at FEFU, guiding new students on how to learn, experience the culture, and orient their careers with this language.

According to him, whether Vietnamese or Russian students, learning Russian or Vietnamese in each country, the important thing for the future is to strive their best in their studies so that language becomes a tool to achieve their career aspirations.

Danil emotionally placed his hand on his chest and said: “To me, Hanoi is not just a city for ordinary travel like others, but a place I deeply love and cherish as my own homeland.”

Experiencing Vietnamese folk games in the Russian version. (Photo: Vietnamese Consulate General in Vladivostok)

Not only Danil, but two first-year students also enthusiastically participated in the folk game “danh chuyen” while trying to communicate in Vietnamese: “Next year, we will go to Vietnam to practice the language in Hanoi and Da Nang, and we are very excited.”

The Vietnamese Cultural Festival event demonstrated the enthusiasm and impression of young Russians and international participants, affirming the vitality and spread of Vietnamese culture and image in the international educational environment.

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