Hanoi Celebrates “Cultural Festival for Peace” Marking Key Anniversaries
Hanoi, The Gulf Observer: Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính attended the grand opening of the “Cultural Festival for Peace” held yesterday around Hoàn Kiếm (Sword) Lake in Hanoi. The festival is a major event in the city’s calendar, celebrating two significant milestones: the 70th anniversary of the Capital’s Liberation (October 10, 1954 – October 10, 2024) and the 25th anniversary of Hanoi receiving the UNESCO “City for Peace” title (July 16, 1999 – July 16, 2024).
In his opening address, Trần Sỹ Thanh, Deputy Secretary of the City Party Committee and Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee, emphasized the festival’s aim to spread a message of culture, peace, and the enduring creative spirit of the people of Thang Long – Hanoi. “This event honors the rich cultural heritage and identity of the capital as a symbol of peace,” he noted.
The festival brought together over 8,000 participants, including artists, artisans, and representatives from 30 districts within Hanoi. They paraded and performed traditional folk art forms, showcasing intangible cultural heritages recognized by UNESCO, as well as unique features of Hanoi’s cultural identity. Among the performances were ca trù (ceremonial singing), water puppetry, and xẩm (blind wanderers’ music). The event also highlighted important cultural symbols like Tản Viên Sơn Thánh (Tản Viên Mountain Saint), Hai Bà Trưng (Trưng Sisters), and Thánh Gióng (Gióng Saint).
The festival was divided into three main themes: Hanoi – A Victory Return, Hanoi – The Flow of Heritage, and Hanoi – A City of Peace and Creativity. The program offered a vivid re-enactment of key historical moments, including the October 10, 1954 event when Vietnamese troops took over the capital, marking the end of a long and arduous resistance war. The parade of flags, flowers, and joy symbolized the bravery and resilience of the Vietnamese people.
Pauline Tamesis, the UN Resident Coordinator in Vietnam, also spoke at the event, expressing her honor in representing UNESCO at such a significant celebration. She praised Hanoi for its innovative approach and engagement of younger generations in making the city more liveable for all. “The festival exemplifies Hanoi’s success in becoming the cultural and creative capital of Vietnam,” Tamesis said, while also highlighting the strong partnership between the UN and Hanoi over the past 25 years.
The “Cultural Festival for Peace” serves as a testament to Hanoi’s rich heritage and commitment to peace and creativity, ensuring that its status as a UNESCO City for Peace remains a vital part of its identity.
