November 24th has been officially designated as "Vietnamese Culture Day".

Recently, the Politburo unanimously agreed to designate November 24th as "Vietnam Culture Day" through Resolution No. 80-NQ/TW. This is a significant turning point, repositioning culture as a solid foundation and an endogenous resource for the country to confidently integrate and develop sustainably.

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Notably, workers nationwide will be entitled to a paid day off on this day, starting in 2026. This decision demonstrates the Party and State's high regard for the role of culture and people in the comprehensive development strategy, affirming that the development of culture and people is a fundamental and important endogenous resource in the country's development.

Looking back at the cultural landscape in 2025, we not only see record-breaking revenue figures, but also witness a spectacular "renaissance" of heritage right in the heart of contemporary life. Traditional culture is no longer dormant in museums or old books; it has truly come alive with a new, youthful, and proud appearance.

The buzz surrounding concerts like "Brother Who Overcame a Thousand Obstacles" or the "Homeland in My Heart" concert by Vietnam Television is not merely a fleeting entertainment phenomenon. It's a powerful affirmation of honoring our roots: when core values ​​are combined with modern staging techniques, they create a powerful synergistic effect.

The craze surrounding the new arrangements of "Trong Com" and "Phong Nu - Co Doi Thuong Ngan" has accomplished a seemingly impossible task: making millions of young people not only "listen" but also learn about the heritage, turning ancient melodies into a trendy phenomenon that leads the market.

But that's not all; 2025 also marks the proud "expeditions" of Vietnamese music into the global stage. When artists like Duc Phuc and Phuong My Chi stride across international stages, they not only bring their voices but also the "identity" of Vietnam – a unique and unmistakable identity amidst the torrent of globalization. Alongside this, the "Bringing Traditional Clothing into Life" campaign and large-scale "Digitizing Heritage" projects have blurred the lines between the past and the future. All these movements are the most vivid proof that Vietnamese culture is never outdated; on the contrary, it is surging powerfully, full of inner strength, ready to become a springboard for the nation to assert its stature on the world map.

So why November 24th and not some other milestone in the millennia-long history? Going back 80 years, on November 24, 1946, the First National Cultural Conference was inaugurated at a time when the nation's fate hung in the balance. This event laid the first foundation for building a new culture, with the presence of President Ho Chi Minh and over 200 delegates, the country's most outstanding intellectuals and artists at the time.

At that time, President Ho Chi Minh delivered a 40-minute speech on the Party's platform, leaving behind an immortal quote that has become a guiding principle for all subsequent cultural activities: "Culture must illuminate the path for the nation to follow."

President Ho Chi Minh's ideas at that conference remain relevant today, especially in a society facing challenges regarding morality and lifestyle. He desired a culture based on the happiness of the people, a purely Vietnamese culture that was not conservative. He encouraged us to learn from the best aspects of both Eastern and Western cultures, combining them to create a unique identity in line with the spirit of democracy.

The most thought-provoking point is the requirement for culture to deeply permeate people's lives in order to correct vices such as corruption, laziness, vanity, and extravagance. In his eyes, culture was not a luxurious ornament for the elite, but a tool to cultivate a spirit of "selfless devotion to the nation," a link between individual interests and the destiny of the nation.

History has also marked November 24th with significant diplomatic and social events, demonstrating the diverse presence of culture in all aspects of life. From President Ho Chi Minh receiving French cultural figures immediately after the 1946 conference to his congratulatory telegrams to heads of state, or his visits to youth and ethnic minority exhibitions in 1956, all reflected a spirit of solidarity and friendship. Even in theoretical work, when reminding the staff of the magazine "Learning" in 1965, he emphasized that the writing style should be simple, easy to understand, and written in the "Vietnamese style."

Entering the 21st century, the spirit of November 24th was once again strongly revived through the 2021 National Cultural Conference. This was an opportunity for the entire society to reflect on 35 years of reform, assessing both achievements and limitations during that time. The conference set the goal of revitalizing culture, making heritage a driving force for socio-economic development in the period 2021-2026 and with a vision to 2045. We must not only preserve what we already have, but also develop the cultural industry to position the national brand on the world map. The recognition of Dak Nong Geopark as a UNESCO Global Geopark on November 24th, 2020, is also a vivid testament to the fact that Vietnamese values ​​are being appreciated and honored by the world.

Resolution 80 of the Politburo was issued in the context of a constantly changing world with fierce competition in values. Culture is no longer secondary to economics or politics, but must "lead the way," permeating every development decision. Choosing November 24th as Vietnam Culture Day is a fitting tribute to the artists and writers who are tirelessly creating to enrich the nation's spiritual heritage. At the same time, it serves as a reminder to each individual of their responsibility to practice a civilized lifestyle and uphold social ethical standards amidst the wave of globalization.