The festival, themed "Converging Heritage - Shaping the Future", coincides with the 50th anniversary of Vietnam's accession to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). During a diplomatic corps meeting on the afternoon of 21/9, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Ta Quang Dong stated that this year's program has expanded in scale and diversified its content compared to the first event in 2025.

The festival features a wide array of activities, from exhibitions, performances, culinary experiences, cinema, and fashion to music and interactive engagements. This year, the festival includes 45 cultural spaces, 32 food stalls, a film screening program with 18 participating countries, a fashion showcase presenting traditional attire from 19 nations, and performances by 20 international art troupes.

Tung Duong performing at the opening of the first World Culture Festival in Hanoi, in 2025. Photo: Hoang Giang

Deputy Minister Ta Quang Dong explained that the program aims to be a platform for cultural dialogue, where countries can present their unique identities and discover shared connections. He emphasized that Hanoi, with its thousand-year history, has been a melting pot where diverse cultures meet, evolve, and are enriched across generations. In this context, culture not only preserves traditional values but also fosters mutual understanding, respect, and lasting bonds among people.

The opening and closing art programs will bring together numerous domestic and international artists and art troupes. Vietnamese singers such as Truc Nhan, Duc Phuc, Hoa Minzy, Huong Tram, and Anh Tu are participating in various festival activities. The artistic performances will feature collaborations between local and international artists. Some acts will incorporate traditional Vietnamese instruments with foreign artists, while others will blend international instruments to perform Vietnamese compositions.

A new addition to the festival is the "Spreading Creativity from Heritage - International Festival Games" zone, which merges historical and cultural elements with technology. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, in collaboration with businesses, will showcase video games inspired by Vietnamese history and culture. Attendees can experience these games, engage in interactive activities, and watch cosplay and dance performances from the game Audition, enhanced by LED screen effects. According to the organizers, this zone provides an additional way to engage with heritage, especially for younger audiences, through technology and contemporary creative products.

The first World Culture Festival in Hanoi took place in 2025, organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Hanoi People's Committee. That inaugural event featured numerous activities in cinema, fashion, and cuisine, celebrating the reading culture of Vietnam and many other countries worldwide.

Ha Thu