Hanoi (VNA) – Over its 24 years, the Hue Festival has established itself as a distinctive cultural and art brand and a unique space for cultural exchange between Vietnam and international friends.
Speaking at an international press conference in Hanoi on May 9, Chairman of the Thua Thien Hue provincial People's Committee Nguyen Van Phuong unveiled activities of the Hue Festival 2024 and the Hue International Arts Festival Week 2024 (June 7-12). He stated the festival will feature iconic art shows representing various cultures from Vietnam and around the world.
Tourists can expect to be immersed in a rich cultural experience, encompassing meticulously recreated royal and folk festivals alongside contemporary celebrations designed to resonate with modern audiences.
The Hue Festival transcends mere entertainment. It serves as a significant driver of socio-economic development, solidifying Thua Thien Hue's position as a cultural and tourism hub within Vietnam and Southeast Asia. This aligns with the national vision for Thua Thien Hue, outlined in Politburo’s Resolution, to become a centrally-governed city by 2025, leveraging its rich imperial heritage and cultural identity.
A Year of Seasonal Delights
A novel approach introduced in 2023 sees the Hue Festival spanning all four seasons. This year promises a series of unique festivals, gradually building a new and exciting cultural calendar.
- Spring Festival - "Imperial Spring" (January to March): Witness royal Tet celebrations, traditional cultural spaces, and unique folk festivals.
- Summer Festival - "Capital Shines" (April to June): The highlight of this season is the Hue International Arts Festival Week 2024, aiming to solidify Hue's reputation as a distinctive festival city.
- Autumn Festival - "Hue in Autumn" (July to September): Immerse visitors in the Mid-Autumn Festival, featuring the Hue Lantern Festival 2024 with vibrant lantern displays and captivating street performances of unicorn, lion, and dragon dances.
- Winter Festival - "Winter in Hue" (October to December): Experience the Hue Music Week 2024, culminating in a grand countdown to usher in the New Year 2025.
Hue International Arts Festival Week 2024
From June 7-12, the Hue International Arts Festival Week will take centre stage, with court music and folk songs by renowned domestic and international artists. Every night, stages within the Imperial Citadel, community squares, and locations throughout Thua Thien Hue province will come alive with a dazzling display of traditional and contemporary art shows from eight countries.
The event will kick off an opening ceremony at Kien Trung Palace on June 7, followed by a vibrant street festival featuring 12 art troupes from 7 countries. A lineup of activities await, including the "Trinh Cong Son Dialogue - Love Found" music show, a Light Festival, a Beer Festival, a Vegetarian Cuisine Festival, a Lantern Festival, the "Tam Giang Water Waves" Festival, and a closing ceremony at Kien Trung Palace on June 12. Complementing these main events will be a multitude of community cultural activities.
The Hue Festival 2024 promises an unforgettable cultural odyssey, offering a captivating blend of tradition and contemporary innovation. With its year-round seasonal celebrations, the festival is poised to solidify Hue's position as a must-visit destination for culture aficionados worldwide./.
