Hanoi (VNA) – Among the eight carefully curated thematic zones of the first Glorious Spring Fair 2026, the “Essence of Vietnamese culture” zone, chaired by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, has emerged as a standout attraction, offering a reflective cultural space that celebrates, connects and brings to life the core values of Vietnamese culture in a contemporary setting.
The zone, themed “Essence of Vietnamese culture – Vietnamese Spring Colours”, is located at the heart of the Vietnam Exposition Centre and serves as the cultural heart of the fair. Its layout skillfully blends traditional elements with modern exhibition techniques, creating a space that feels both approachable and culturally resonant.
It is organised into six key areas: a central stage; decorative and scenic installations; cultural tourism booths; handicraft stalls; creative design spaces; and booths representing cultural industries. While each area serves a distinct function, all are united by the shared objective of reintroducing and spreading the essence of Vietnamese culture to visitors.
More than a display area, the zone acts as a bridge linking heritage with contemporary creativity, gradually positioning culture as a resource that contributes meaningfully to socio-economic development.
At the centre of the zone, the main stage hosts the opening and closing ceremonies as well as a continuous line-up of artistic performances, cultural exchanges, product showcases and trade promotion activities throughout the fair. Programmes are flexibly designed and diverse in form, closely aligned with the theme “Vietnamese spring colours” and seamlessly combining traditional art forms with modern expressions.
A major highlight of the zone is the handicrafts area, where bamboo and rattan products, silk items, handwoven textiles, lacquerware and mother-of-pearl inlay products are showcased alongside stories of the artisans who create them, rather than merely presented as commercial goods.
Nguyen Thi Tuyet, an artisan from the Thiet Ung fine woodcarving village in Hanoi’s Thuy Lam commune, said the Spring Fair provides craft villages with a valuable opportunity to engage more directly and authentically with consumers. Through such events, artisans can demonstrate techniques, introduce their products and bring traditional crafts closer to the public.
Similarly, artisan Hong Vu from the centuries-old bamboo and rattan weaving village of Ninh So in Thuong Tin commune noted that traditional crafts are increasingly under pressure from industrial products. In this context, the Spring Fair serves as a vital platform for artisans to showcase skills and interact with visitors, reaffirming the lasting vitality and cultural significance of traditional crafts in modern society.
Complementing the handicrafts are fashion items, ao dai, decorative products and Tet gifts, all designed with traditional materials and inspirations but refreshed with a youthful aesthetic suited to contemporary lifestyles.
At cultural tourism booths, localities and businesses present products and services associated with heritage sites, festivals, traditional craft villages and local cultural values. Beyond promotion, these spaces facilitate supply – demand linkages, foster regional connectivity and help stimulate cultural tourism.
The Son La tourism booth has attracted large crowds, especially on the opening day, with performances of khen (panpipe) music of Mong ethnic people, folk songs and dances, and traditional banh day (glutinous rice cake) pounding, creating a vibrant and engaging atmosphere. Its representative said incorporating Mong ethnic cultural activities into the fair has drawn strong public interest, contributing to deeper promotion of local cultural identity and supporting community-based tourism.
Meanwhile, Bac Ninh’s booth has impressed visitors with Quan ho singing from the Kinh Bac region, while Dong Nai’s booth has captivated audiences with the distinctive sounds of the stone lithophone, a symbol of Vietnamese ingenuity and cultural spirit.
The first Glorious Spring Fair 2026 is being held at the Vietnam Exposition Centre in Dong Anh commune, Hanoi, from February 2 to 13./.
