The entire space around Hoan Kiem Lake these days has transformed into a miniature Hanoi from olden times, with recreated city gates such as O Cau Giay (Cau Giay Gate) and O Dong Mac (Dong Mac Gate). Along Dinh Tien Hoang Street, models representing Hanoi’s most distinctive heritage were displayed, including the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, Hanoi Flag Tower, Dong Xuan Market, and the moss-covered ancient houses of the Old Quarter.
Under the gentle autumn sun, at precisely 7:30 AM on October 6, the grand re-enactment performance “Hanoi Memories” kicked off the activities of the “Cultural Festival for Peace,” a key event celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Capital Liberation (October 10, 1954 - 2024) and the 25th anniversary of Hanoi being awarded the title “City for Peace” by UNESCO.
With three segments: “The Days of National Resistance”, “Emotions of October”, and “Hanoi Spirit”, the artists vividly recreated the legendary story of King Le Loi returning the precious sword to the Turtle God in Hoan Kiem Lake, symbolising the wish for independence, freedom, peace, and prosperity. They also depicted the nine arduous years of resistance, culminating in the world-shaking Dien Bien Phu victory, leading to the joyful and triumphant return of the victorious army on October 10, 1954, and showcased a dynamic and creative Hanoi in its development.
In the atmosphere of excitement and pride, Tran Sy Thanh, Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee, emphasised in his speech: “1,014 years ago, in the autumn of 1010, continuing the nation-building efforts of the Hung Kings and the forefathers, King Ly Thai To decided to move the capital from Hoa Lu to Thang Long, ushering in a glorious era of development for Dai Viet. From that historical milestone to the Ho Chi Minh era, through all the ups and downs, Thang Long - Hanoi has endured, standing strong and proud, deserving to be the heart of an independent, free, and happy Vietnam. Throughout the history of fighting to build and defend the country, alongside efforts to secure peace, independence, and freedom, Hanoi has been honoured by both the people at home and abroad, receiving noble titles such as “The Capital of Conscience and Human Dignity”, “City for Peace” and “Creative City”, and awarded the title “Heroic Capital” by the Party and State.
“The ‘Cultural Festival for Peace' aims to spread the message of the value of culture, peace, and the creativity of the people of Thang Long - Hanoi through the ages.”
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Images of the army returning to liberate the capital moved people. |
The most anticipated part of the “Cultural Festival for Peace” was the art performances and parade. Everyone was moved when witnessing the historical re-enactment of “Victory Day”. It was a sacred and proud moment as the army marched past the podium. Particularly emotional was the portrayal of Doctor Tran Duy Hung, the first Chairman of the Hanoi Administrative Committee, waving to the people of the capital on October 10, 1954, from a convertible car, followed by the victorious troops “bringing the glory of the nation back.”
It was unforgettable, marking a glorious milestone in Vietnam’s struggle for independence and Hanoi’s development journey.
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Introducing the unique cultural treasures of the capital at the festival. |
The next part of the performance and parade was titled “The Flow of Heritage”. After the resounding drumbeats, Hanoi’s unique cultural heritages were introduced. These included the flag dance by performers from Hoai Duc District, the dragon dance from Thanh Oai District, and the worship and festival of Tan Vien Son Thanh – the deity among the “Four Immortals” in Vietnamese folk beliefs, among others.
The audience was continuously surprised by the rich heritage of Thang Long – Hanoi. Right after the Ai Lao Dance was a performance re-enacting the Giong Festival in Phu Dong Village, Gia Lam District. The flag dance performance created magnificent and heroic images at the main stage area on Dinh Tien Hoang Street, in front of the Ly Thai To Monument.
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Ca tru artists are excited at the festival. |
The programme continued by introducing the “Mother Goddess Worship” belief, including the Chau Van singing, an art form associated with Mother Goddess worship. This was followed by a parade showcasing the worship tradition of Thang Long Tu Tran (the four guarding temples of Thang Long), the worship of the Trung Sisters, and the tradition of scholarly achievement in Thang Long. Then came various folk arts such as the Senh Tienn dance, Bai Bong dance, Ai Lao dance, Giao Long Dragon dance, Tong Goi boat rowing, etc.
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Charming women at the Cultural Festival for Peace. |
After the folk performance and parade, there was a procession of craft villages. Visitors were treated to performances from various traditional craft villages, including the Hang Trong folk painting village, Kim Hoang folk painting village, Quat Dong embroidery village, Dong Cuu embroidery village, Bat Trang pottery village, Phu Vinh bamboo and rattan weaving village, Ha Thai lacquer village, Xuan La toy figurine village, Chang Son fan-making village, Luu Thuong rush weaving village, Son Dong fine wood carving village, and Nhan Hien sculpture village, among others.
The final segment featured a parade and performances by social organisations representing various classes of people. This included the Hanoi Fatherland Front and its member organisations: the Elderly Association, the Women’s Union, and the Veterans’ Association, as well as workers, civil servants, labourers, and farmers of the capital. The parade also saw participation from many international friends.
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Flower villages create elegant beauty for Hanoi. |
Arriving early to witness the event, Nguyen Thanh Thuy (from Ham Tu Quan Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi) shared: “Joining in the festive atmosphere, my family and I wore traditional Ao dai to Hoan Kiem Lake today. We are very proud to celebrate Capital Liberation Day and proud of Hanoi’s continuous development.”
Beyond the large-scale parades, the “Cultural Festival for Peace” was also an opportunity to honour Hanoi’s cultural heritage and peace-loving traditions, encouraging each person to contribute to the city’s growth and development.
