Hanoi (VNA) – The “Vietnam Happy Fest 2025” kicked off in Hanoi on December 6, featuring a collective wedding ceremony for 80 couples.
Against the romantic backdrop of Hoan Kiem Lake, the couples exchanged vows, spreading their love to thousands of onlookers.
Among them were couples about to be married or newlyweds, as well as many who have been married for 15, 20 or even 50 years, yet continue to keep the flame of love alive and pass happiness on to their children and grandchildren.
Their participation carries symbolic meaning, marking the 80th anniversary of Vietnam’s “Independence – Freedom - Happiness” journey.
During the ceremony, stories of love, bonding and sharing from the couples conveyed the values of happiness to those in attendance.
According to Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Le Hai Binh, 2025 marks a proud milestone as Vietnam climbed to 46th place in the World Happiness Report, up eight positions compared to the previous year.
These figures are not merely statistics, but recognition of the persistent efforts of the Vietnamese Party, State and people in building a safe and humane environment, he said.
More importantly, they reflect the optimism and compassion of the Vietnamese people, as well as the shared aspiration and unity of millions in moving towards a prosperous, thriving and loving future, he added.
The “Vietnam Happy Fest” takes place over three days, from December 5 to 7, around Hoan Kiem Lake and Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square.
The overall concept is the “Road of Happiness”, featuring 13 activities stretching from Le Thai To Street to Hang Khay Street, via Dinh Tien Hoang Street, with 13 experiential spaces such as the “Happy Vietnam” exhibition, digital interactive zones, photobooths and art display areas, the Happiness Tree, the Happiness Lens, and the Happiness Map.
The “Happy Vietnam” exhibition showcases entries from the third “Happy Vietnam” Photo and Video Awards, organised on the national image promotion platform Vietnam.vn.
In 2025, the competition attracted more than 4,600 authors with over 17,000 photo and video entries, a 1.7-fold increase compared to the previous year.
Each work tells a story and offers an authentic snapshot of Vietnam, depicting the peaceful, beautiful lives of its people and the country’s positive changes day by day./.
Key activities of “Vietnam Happy Fest”
· December 6 evening: Ceremony to present media awards on human rights
· December 7 afternoon: Parade on Hoan Kiem Lake pedestrian street, where residents and visitors can admire colourful procession of traditional Vietnamese costumes and rituals featuring traditional wedding celebrations.
· December 7 evening: Music gala “Happy Vietnam - Vietnam Happy Fest”, featuring popular young artists such as Bui Cong Nam and Lam Bao Ngoc. The event is open free of charge to the public.
