Vietnamese culture fest brings buzz to Moscow's Red Square

Running from Friday this week to Sunday next week, the Vietnamese Culture Festival offers a full sensory journey into Vietnam.

Visitors to Red Square are invited to engage not just with food and art, but also with hands-on cultural experiences.

At 5:00 pm on Friday (local time), the resonant beat of ceremonial drums echoed across the square, launching the first-ever Vietnamese culture festival held in this historic space.

Before the opening, crowds gathered in front of the gate, buzzing with excitement and curiosity.

A large number of visitors entered the fest area after it officially opened, following remarks by Madame Ngo Phuong Ly, spouse of Vietnamese Party General Secretary To Lam.

She arrived in Moscow on Tuesday at the invitation of the Russian government and the administration of Saint Petersburg to participate in cultural diplomacy activities marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and Russia.

One of the standout attractions was the lacquer art exhibition, themed ‘Lacquer Garden: Tropical Hues,’ showcasing various items designed by Madame Ly.

The vivid, intricate designs drew admiration from many, including Lyudmila Nikolaevna, a Russian who once traveled to Vietnam and made a point of attending this event.

“The items here are stunning and unlike anything I saw in Vietnam. I’m grateful to Vietnamese friends for bringing these treasures so far,” she said.

She suggested the artworks should be auctioned off.

Russian models Alala Tsikhanouskaya and Alaya Magistrov wearing elegant 'ao dai' (Vietnam's traditional long gown) by Vietnamese designer Vu Viet Ha, praised the garment for its blend of traditional elegance and modern flair.

Both expressed joy at wearing a piece of Vietnamese identity at the fest, and also desired to wear 'ao dai' every day.

No Vietnamese festival would be complete without food.

The Vietnamese food stalls quickly became the busiest area of the festival, with long queues and eager diners.

Father-and-son duo Matvey Karepov and Ilya Karepov were energized by the lively atmosphere and the warm hospitality of the Vietnamese.

The father shared that though he had yet to travel to Vietnam, through the layout and food at the fest, he could imagine it to be a peaceful, inviting nation.

Nearby, two young women, Rina Parson and Valery Sherman, eagerly savored Vietnamese banh mi, one of the world's 50 best street dishes.

Its flavors were so new to them, they said.

They also eyed Vietnamese banh bao (steamed pork bun) and iced lemon tea for their next round.

Meanwhile, Andrey and Yurilov Serzhpinsky were attracted by Vietnamese spring rolls packed with shrimp and raw vegetables.

“We have never been to Vietnam, but after joining this festival, the idea of spending our next holiday in Vietnam has begun to take shape in our minds,” said Serzhpinsky.

Beyond its appeal to locals and tourists, the festival is also serving as a heartfelt reunion for the Vietnamese community in Russia.

Families and young people came to reconnect with their roots, reliving memories and flavors from home.

Tran Viet Ha, freshman at the Higher School of Economics, who has lived in Russia for over five years, described the experience as ‘a return to Vietnam.’

“Many of my friends are joining the festival. A number of dishes here, especially banh mi, retain the authentic Vietnamese flavors that are rarely encountered in Russia,” Ha shared.

The festival also features various booths of traditional crafts such as to he (toy figurine) making, Dong Ho folk painting art, and lacquer painting.

During the fest, revelers can interact with traditional music instruments like the T’rung and K’longput, guided by skilled artists.