The festival aims to reinforce national unity, preserve traditional heritage and elevate Vietnam’s profile as a destination for heritage tourism.
The Thai ethnic minority’s New Rice Festival is re-enacted at Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism in Hanoi’s outskirt. Photo: Huy Pham/ The Hanoi Times
Hanoi’s Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism will come alive from November 18 to 23 as it hosts the annual “Great Unity Week of Ethnic Groups – Vietnamese Cultural Heritage Week”, offering visitors an immersive journey into the nation’s rich cultural mosaic.
The week-long festival aims to reinforce national unity, preserve traditional heritage, and elevate Vietnam’s profile as a heritage tourism destination. Around 1,000 delegates are expected, including 300 representatives from diplomatic missions, embassies, cultural centers, and international organizations based in Hanoi, making it a key platform for cultural diplomacy.
Authenticity and diversity will be on full display, with over 200 members from 18 ethnic groups across 12 provinces participating. A special program, “Promoting and Introducing Vietnamese Culture to International Friends”, will give foreign guests a firsthand experience of Vietnam’s living traditions.
Women from the H’Mong ethnic minority in Sapa Town embroider their traditional brocade fabric. Photo: Duong Toan.
Visitors can immerse themselves in performances, workshops and culinary experiences. Master artists will bring UNESCO-recognized traditions to life, including Quan Ho antiphonal singing, Hat Xam folk music and Hat Van ritual songs.
Beyond the stage, guests can try folk crafts, join traditional games and sample regional specialties, experiencing the vibrant cultural diversity of Vietnam’s ethnic communities.
Beyond the stage, visitors can try their hand at folk crafts, join traditional games, and sample regional specialties. A perfect blend of music, art, and cuisine, the festival immerses travelers in the living traditions of Vietnam’s diverse ethnic communities.
The festival goes beyond entertainment, fostering meaningful cultural exchange. By showcasing traditional customs, cuisine and daily life practices, it strengthens ties with the international community while reaffirming the government’s commitment to preserving the heritage of Vietnam’s diverse population.
For travelers seeking an authentic cultural adventure, the Great Unity Week offers a rare opportunity to experience Vietnam’s living heritage through music, craft, cuisine and celebration, deepening appreciation for the nation’s enduring traditions.
By Jenna Duong
