This activity marked the first journey in the series “Exploring Nations” organised by the library to introduce children to the cultures of countries around the world.
The event attracted a large number of Russian children and parents, who came to experience and learn about the beautiful country of Viet Nam through the presentations of Vietnamese students studying in the Russian Federation and Russian students who love Viet Nam.
The main hall was transformed into a “miniature Viet Nam” with images of conical hats, graceful ao dai, and especially a vibrant lion dance performance from the very beginning.
The programme featured diverse and diverse and engaging interactive activities. The children eagerly joined in a quiz to learn about Viet Nam and its people. Following that, impressive traditional folk dances and powerful performances of traditional martial arts received constant applause. The atmosphere grew more animated with a lively flashmob dance.
The most anticipated part was the workshops, where the “little artisans” enthusiastically painted conical hats and printed their own colourful Dong Ho paintings. The storytelling corner with diafilms of folk tales provided a fascinating stop, offering the children moments of quiet reflection.
Speaking at the event, Angela Lebedeva, Deputy Director of the National Children’s Library of the Russian Federation, said that the organisers chose Viet Nam as the first country in the series “Exploring Nations” because of the special significance of 2025, marking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
“The resounding success of the Viet Nam Cultural Festival at Red Square in July truly brought a breath of fresh air, sparking curiosity and affection among the Russian people, especially the youth, for Vietnamese culture. We wanted to continue that flow of emotion and offer a deeper experience, particularly for the future generation,” said Angela Lebedeva.
On behalf of the Embassy of Viet Nam in the Russian Federation, Mai Nguyen Tuyet Hoa, Head of the Education Cooperation and Overseas Student Management Division, emphasised: This activity is of great significance as it targets children – the future generations who will build and consolidate the enduring friendship between Viet Nam and the Russian Federation.
“Through games, dances, and stories, we hope to sow the first seeds of understanding and love for Vietnamese culture in the hearts of the children,” shared Mai Nguyen Tuyet Hoa.
The event was jointly organised by the National Children’s Library of Russia, the Fund for Promoting Russia–Viet Nam Cooperation Development “Tradition and Friendship”, and the Viet Nam Cultural Club of the Higher School of Economics (HSE).
“Viet Nam Cultural Day” concluded in an atmosphere of joy and unforgettable impressions, marking a favourable start for the “Exploring Nations” series and contributing another meaningful step in the cultural exchange journey between the two peoples.
