Cultures of the World Festival in Hanoi features 50 nations
The second Cultures of the World Festival concluded on October 4, 2026, at Thăng Long Imperial Citadel in Hanoi. The event featured 50 countries, 45 cultural spaces, 19 international art troupes, and 35 food stalls, celebrating the theme 'Heritage Convergence – Shaping the Future'. This festival marked the 50th anniversary of Vietnam's UNESCO membership and aimed to promote cultural exchange and cooperation.
The second Cultures of the World Festival concluded on October 4, 2026, at the Thăng Long Imperial Citadel in Hanoi. Over four days, the festival showcased an impressive array of cultural expressions from 50 participating nations, featuring 45 cultural spaces, 19 international art troupes, and 35 food stalls. With the theme 'Heritage Convergence – Shaping the Future,' the event highlighted the significance of cultural heritage in contemporary society. Notable figures in attendance included Nguyễn Thị Thanh, Vice President of the National Assembly, and Lâm Thị Phương Thanh, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, both of whom emphasized culture's role in national development.
This year's festival held special significance as it coincided with the 50th anniversary of Vietnam’s membership in UNESCO. Since joining, Vietnam has evolved from a nation emerging from war into a proactive participant in global cultural initiatives. The festival reinforced the notion that preserving heritage involves not only safeguarding the past but also fostering creativity and generating new cultural values for future generations. Its implementation required extensive collaboration among various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and UNESCO. This partnership aimed to create a platform for international cultural exchange and cooperation.
The festival's outreach extended beyond the citadel, featuring street parades and public events that brought the vibrant cultural expressions of participating countries closer to the local community and visitors. The broader benefits of the festival were evident in its promotion of cultural industries and the potential for economic growth through tourism. By integrating arts, cuisine, and creativity, the festival illustrated how cultural heritage can be transformed into new experiences and products. This approach not only enhances Vietnam's cultural identity but also contributes to its soft power on the global stage.
Enjoyed this story?
Show the newsroom a little love — one tap per reader.
Priya reports on breakthroughs that change lives, big and small.
Be part of the good
Stories like this start with people who care. Share it, or submit your own uplifting story to inspire millions today.
