First world culture festival in Hanoi unites nations, supports flood victims

Spanning until Sunday, the event is a vibrant celebration of cultural diversity and international solidarity with communities affected by natural disasters, including storms and floods.

Co-organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Hanoi People’s Committee, the festival marked a significant milestone in Vietnam’s cultural diplomacy.

It underscored Vietnam’s growing role as a global cultural hub while demonstrating how culture can foster compassion and cooperation.

Unlike a traditional cultural gathering, the festival carries a powerful humanitarian message.

Alongside dazzling cultural showcases and performances, a charitable auction and fundraising campaign garnered strong support from attendees.

All proceeds will go toward rebuilding homes, schools, and infrastructure in flood-stricken regions of Vietnam.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the fest on Friday night, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized the unifying power of culture, calling it a thread of connection between people, nations, and the world.

He acknowledged the devastating toll of recent natural disasters in Vietnam–eight storms in the third quarter alone, with four in September, and extended heartfelt condolences to affected families.

He called for both domestic and international support for those enduring hardship.

Global cultural convergence

Titled ‘Culture as Foundation, Art as Means,’ the festival is aimed at fostering a vibrant platform where global cultures converge, connect, and shine.

Serving as a bridge for cultural exchange, the event is showcasing international cultural treasures to Vietnamese audiences while promoting Vietnam’s rich heritage globally.

It seeks to strengthen people-to-people ties, deepen mutual understanding, and solidify Hanoi’s emerging role as a global cultural hub in the new era.

As Vietnam’s flagship cultural diplomacy event for 2025, the festival boasts an unprecedented scale: 48 countries, 45 cultural spaces, 34 international culinary booths, 23 art troupes from Vietnam and abroad, 12 publishing and book exhibition units, and 22 countries joining the international film screenings.

This made it the largest cultural diplomacy event in Vietnam’s history, underscoring Hanoi’s growing stature as an ideal rendezvous for global cultural exchange.

Nguyen Phuong Hoa, head of the International Cooperation Department under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, described the festival as Vietnam’s largest-ever international cultural event.

From live performances and traditional costume showcases to interactive culinary experiences, the goal is to honor unity in diversity and reinforce culture as a lasting bridge between peoples.

Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Le Hai Binh called the festival an essential initiative that places culture at the core of sustainable development.

In a world facing conflict, disease, and climate change, cultural connection offers a pathway to peace and prosperity, he said.

He also praised the participation of nearly 50 embassies and international organizations as a testament to global solidarity with Vietnam and with Hanoi, a city recognized by UNESCO as both a creative city and a city for peace.

Festival of color, art, and heritage

Throughout the three-day festival, visitors can immerse themselves in a wide array of cultural experiences.

It features a blend of traditional and modern performances, enhanced by 3D mapping visuals that reflect the creative energy of the global community.

The grand opening ceremony welcomed top government leaders and international dignitaries, unfolding in three acts, symbolizing a journey from heritage to modernity and global integration.

One of the most anticipated highlights of the festival is the ‘Heritage Footsteps’ Fashion Show on Saturday night.

The show will feature nearly 100 traditional costumes from participating countries.

Far more than a fashion event, ‘Heritage Footsteps’ is a tribute to the soul of each nation.

Every garment tells a story of culture, history, and the enduring spirit of its people.