The Thang Long – Hanoi Festival 2025 unfolded a vivid tapestry of colors, where the quintessence of traditional craft villages, cuisine, and regional cultures converged, creating an emotional heritage journey right at the Temple of Literature.
At Thai Hoc Courtyard, for the first time, the resonant sounds of the vast Central Highlands forests rose in solemnity and cheer. Young men from the Central Highlands, dressed in traditional attire, presented spectacular gong performances, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the identity of the highlands. Alongside them, the skilled artisans of Dak Lak diligently worked at their looms, weaving patterns that revived the vibrant colors of the Central Highlands in the heart of Hanoi.
The traditional craft village space became a popular stop, attracting large numbers of visitors. The booths showcasing and promoting signature products from craft villages in Hanoi, Hue, Ninh Binh, and the Central Highlands allowed people to explore the quintessence of Vietnamese traditional crafts through the talented hands of artisans.
From the distant ancient capital of Hue, artisans of the lotus leaf conical hat craft brought pride and love for their profession to the capital. The warm and hospitable reception from the people of Hanoi became a great encouragement for them to tirelessly introduce and spread the refined beauty of the traditional conical hat craft within the historic space of the Temple of Literature.
The culinary space of the Thang Long – Hanoi Festival 2025 became a gathering point for the finest cuisine from various regions. Hundreds of rustic dishes were skillfully prepared and presented enticingly. Visitors not only enjoyed the distinctive flavors but also directly experienced cooking techniques, cake wrapping methods, and heard stories about the origins and cultural significance behind each dish.
According to Mr. Le Xuan Kieu, Director of the Cultural and Scientific Activities Center at the Temple of Literature: “Within the framework of the festival, organized for the first time in Hanoi, we can see a diverse array of activities, from craft villages and performing arts to culinary experiences and exhibition spaces. All of this has created a new vitality, while also providing opportunities for cultural industry products to exist and shine within the Temple of Literature space.”
The Thang Long – Hanoi Festival 2025 is not only a cultural-tourism festival but also a heritage-connecting journey, where the past and present harmonize. In the heart of Hanoi, the Temple of Literature dons a new appearance: both ancient and solemn, yet youthful and vibrant with life.
Ha Anh