Making Vietnamese Pho a Global Culinary Icon
	Vietnam shines at world culture festival in Brussels

The festival will be held on an unprecedented scale, gathering representatives from 48 countries, 45 national cultural spaces, 34 international food stalls, 23 art troupes from Vietnam and abroad, 12 publishing units, and 22 countries participating in the international film screening program.

Set within the sacred grounds of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel - a millennia-old cultural hub of Vietnam, visitors will be immersed in a vivid cultural mosaic where art, music, cinema, fashion, fine arts, and cuisine intertwine to convey the message: “Culture is the bridge of humanity, and creativity is the universal language of the world.”

The opening ceremony will take place on the evening of October 10, from 8:00 to 9:30 p.m. at the main stage of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, featuring celebrated Vietnamese artists such as Tung Duong and Hoa Minzy, alongside international performers. The event will combine traditional and modern art forms with 3D mapping technology to create a spectacular performance space, symbolizing the connection of five continents through light, creativity, and solidarity. The closing ceremony, held at the same venue on October 12, will feature performances by Truc Nhan, Hoang Thuy Linh, and various international groups, promising an energetic and emotional finale full of creativity and human spirit.

A highlight of the festival is the art fashion show “Heritage Steps,” taking place on the evening of October 11 from 8:00 to 9:20 p.m. at the main stage. Nearly 100 traditional costumes from participating countries will be showcased, making it the largest and most diverse international traditional costume presentation ever held in Vietnam. Each costume tells a story of culture, history, and national identity, creating a journey that celebrates heritage and the beauty of global cultural diversity.

Within the festival’s framework, the “Cultural Avenue” will feature nearly 50 booths from countries and territories such as China, Korea, Japan, the United States, Russia, France, Iran, Angola, Laos, and the Philippines. Open continuously from 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on October 11–12, these booths will present distinctive aspects of each country’s history, art, language, attire, and customs. Visitors can try on traditional costumes, taste signature dishes, join folk games, and experience a vibrant, friendly, and open atmosphere of international exchange.

The international film screening program, held at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel Hall from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., will feature outstanding cinematic works from Vietnam and around the world, fostering cross-cultural dialogue through film. Traditional and international art performances will take place continuously at the round stage in morning, afternoon, and evening sessions, featuring diverse art forms such as Central Highlands Gong music, Quan ho folk singing, Cheo opera, Chau van ritual singing, folk dances, and performances from Japan, Russia, Cambodia, Mongolia, Pakistan, Iran, Cuba, Romania, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Indonesia, Palestine, Venezuela, the UAE, the Philippines, and more - offering audiences a lively cultural symphony.

The international food street, open from 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on October 11-12, will offer visitors the chance to enjoy global cuisines, attend culinary workshops and live demonstrations by chefs from Vietnam and abroad, and explore the flavors of diverse cultures.

Throughout the three days, the Thang Long Imperial Citadel will become a “shared home” for the world, where music, colors, flavors, and emotions harmonize in an atmosphere of friendship, solidarity, and humanity. The festival not only reaffirms Hanoi’s appeal as a cultural convergence center where civilizations meet but also demonstrates Vietnam’s openness, creativity, and responsibility in promoting cultural dialogue, mutual understanding, and trust among nations - contributing to peace, cooperation, and sustainable development.

With the theme “Culture as Foundation – Art as the Medium,” the Cultures of the World Festival in Hanoi aspires to become an annual international event, positioning Vietnam as a global cultural exchange destination while underscoring the role of culture in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The festival is open to the public with free admission on October 11-12; for the opening and closing ceremonies, audiences can register for complimentary tickets on the official website of the festival.

The Cultures of the World Festival in Hanoi is not only a grand celebration of art and heritage but also a heartfelt invitation from Vietnam - a nation of peace and friendship - welcoming friends from all five continents to join in building a world of harmony, creativity, and humanity.

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