Hanoi (VNA) – Hanoi is set to host the first Cultures of the World Festival from October 10 to 12 at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, celebrating global cultural diversity and promoting people-to-people exchanges through art, fashion, film, and cuisine.
Organised by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Hanoi People’s Committee, the event marks one of Vietnam’s most important cultural diplomacy activities of 2025.
According to the organisers, the event will feature 48 participating countries with 45 national cultural spaces, 34 international culinary booths, 23 art troupes, 12 publishing units, and film screenings from 22 countries.
Nguyen Phuong Hoa, Director of the MCST’s Department of International Cooperation, described it as the largest cultural festival ever held in Vietnam, noting that it will honour the unity in diversity among the world’s cultures and reaffirm culture’s vital role as a sustainable bridge linking nations.
Throughout the three days, visitors will enjoy an immersive experience filled with vibrant performances, traditional costumes, folk music and dance, international cuisine, and film screenings – all set against the historic backdrop of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO-recognised heritage site and cultural symbol of the capital.
The opening ceremony, slated for October 10 evening, will feature Vietnamese stars alongside international performers, offering a blend of traditional and contemporary art. The closing gala on October 12 will include performances of local and international artists. Both events will combine live shows with 3D mapping displays.
A major highlight of the festival is a fashion show on October 11, featuring nearly 100 traditional costumes from participating countries. More than a fashion event, it will be a celebration of identity and heritage where each outfit tells the story of a nation’s history, artistry, and spirit.
Visitors can explore pavilions representing nearly 50 countries, including China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Russia, France, the US, Iran, Laos, and the Philippines. Each space will offer glimpses into local traditions, languages, and arts, as well as opportunities to try on traditional attire and join interactive activities.
The festival will also include an international film programme and a multicultural food street where visitors can savour signature dishes from around the world and participate in culinary workshops.
Free admission is offered for the public on October 11–12 while those wishing to attend the opening and closing ceremonies can register for complimentary tickets at the official website worldculturefestival.vn./.
