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| The upcoming festival aims to demonstrate the city’s commitment to ethnic policies while respecting and protecting freedom of belief and religion. — dantocphattrien.vietnamnet.vn |
HÀ NỘI — A new festival celebrating Việt Nam’s rich tapestry of ethnic traditions and religious life will debut in the capital at the end of April, as city authorities seek to boost cultural tourism while promoting unity and respect for diversity.
The first Ethnic and Religious Festival of Hà Nội will take place at the Thăng Long Imperial Citadel and around Hoàn Kiếm Lake.
Themed Convergence of Faith – Spreading Identity – Accompanying the Capital’s Development, the event is organised by the Hà Nội Department of Ethnic Minorities and Religions in co-ordination with relevant agencies and units. It forms part of Hà Nội’s 2026 investment, trade and tourism promotion programme.
The festival is intended to demonstrate the city’s commitment to ethnic policies while respecting and protecting freedom of belief and religion. It also aims to preserve and promote the traditional cultural values of ethnic communities and religious organisations amid deeper international integration, reinforcing Hà Nội’s role as a centre of cultural convergence.
Beyond its cultural significance, the event will provide a platform for exchange among ethnic groups and religious communities, contributing to national unity. By showcasing distinctive cultural expressions, organisers expect to attract both domestic and international visitors, broaden tourism offerings and support the development of the capital’s cultural industries.
The large-scale event will bring together representatives from ethnic groups, religious organisations, government bodies, localities, provinces and cities, as well as international guests. Proceedings are expected to begin with an incense-offering ceremony at Kính Thiên Palace within the Thăng Long Imperial Citadel. This will be followed by a parade around Hoàn Kiếm Lake, with participants in traditional dress accompanied by musical instruments and cultural symbols expressing shared identity.
At the heart of the festival is the opening ceremony and an artistic programme titled Convergence of Faith – Radiant Identity – Aspiration of the Capital. A cultural village will recreate traditional architectural spaces such as stilt houses and communal houses, alongside displays of costumes, musical instruments, tools and photographic works. Visitors will also be able to take part in folk cultural activities.
Traditional festivals and art forms will be featured, including the Pà Thẻn fire dance, the Lồng Tồng festival, the Katê festival, xòe and bamboo-pole dances, gong performances and Then singing. Folk games and demonstrations such as ball throwing, stick pushing and crossbow shooting will be staged, along with a showcase of costumes representing Việt Nam’s 54 ethnic groups.
A dedicated religious and cultural zone will present Buddhist symbols, tea meditation, calligraphy, vegetarian cuisine and exhibitions introducing the city’s religious heritage. Complementary activities include seminars, investment and tourism promotion events and booths displaying specialty products, agricultural goods and OCOP items from across the country.
An additional art programme, Colours Converge, will feature performances by ethnic troupes, supported by a media campaign before, during and after the festival to attract broad public interest.
With its wide-ranging programme, the festival is expected to become an annual cultural event, enhancing Hà Nội’s image as a city of long-standing history and culture while promoting cultural exchange, tourism growth and the local economy. — VNS
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