The event is part of activities to mark the 70th anniversary of Hanoi's Liberation Day (October 10, 1954 - October 10, 2024).
Nguyen Hong Minh, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of Tourism, highlighted that the festival will feature a variety of activities to honour and preserve the cultural significance of the traditional Vietnamese Ao Dai. The event also aims to make the Ao Dai a distinctive souvenir for international visitors.
The festival began in early August with several activities, including the "Ao Dai Connecting Hanoi Tourism and Heritage 2024" bicycle parade, the "Check-in Hanoi with Ao Dai" challenge, the "Ao Dai Dance" challenge, an Ao Dai design contest, the "Tinh Hoa Ao Dai" City Bus event, and the Ao Dai Month initiative. The festival highlights a series of events from October 4 to 6 at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel in Hanoi.
The opening ceremony, titled "Hanoi - The Essence of Ao Dai," is set for October 4 at Doan Mon Square. The stage will recreate 70 years of Hanoi's history through art performances and Ao Dai showcases by top designers such as Do Trinh Hoai Nam, Duc Hung, Quang Hoa, Cao Minh Tien, Miss Ngoc Han, Thuy Nguyen, La Hang, Vu Thao Giang, and Luu Quynh Lan. Around 80 stalls will display and promote Ao Dai products and accessories by renowned designers from across Vietnam.
A key highlight is the Ao Dai carnival on the morning of October 5, a large-scale parade organised by the Hanoi Women's Union, with the participation of an estimated 1,500 women. The parade will start from the Thang Long Imperial Citadel and pass through major streets before returning to the citadel.
Other activities include the "Ao Dai Night" art programme on October 5, featuring 70 designers, and the final round of the Ao Dai design contest on October 6.
Visitors to the festival will also experience exhibition spaces showcasing Ao Dai collections, traditional handicrafts, cultural performances, and the "Thang Long Ngu Vi" culinary space, offering a taste of authentic Hanoi cuisine.
