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Along the bustling streets, the noise of traffic gives way to the melodies of traditional Vietnamese opera, folk songs, and the gentle breeze rustling through oil paintings of Hanoi's Old Quarter. It's a moment when Hanoi, with all its tranquility and gentleness, is recreated right in the midst of a vibrant Ho Chi Minh City.
The program, taking place from August 23-25, aims to promote and showcase the distinctive cultural features and typical cultural heritage of Hanoi, the thousand-year-old capital city.
This event commemorates the 70th anniversary of the Liberation of Hanoi (October 10, 1954 - October 10, 2024). It's not only an opportunity for people in Ho Chi Minh City to learn more about Hanoi, but also a chance for those far from home to reconnect with familiar memories. Images of Ho Guom Lake, Long Bien Bridge, and the old, narrow alleyways are displayed in the paintings, transporting viewers back to childhood memories. Hanoi's cultural atmosphere is vividly recreated through night markets, where each street vendor's stall and each green sticky rice cake holds a wealth of memories.
A street corner from Hanoi is recreated in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, bringing a sense of familiarity to those who are far from home.
Ms. Vu Thu Ha, Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee, shared that the "Hanoi Days in Ho Chi Minh City" program is not just a simple cultural event, but also a bridge for the two major cities to reminisce about their glorious history and share unique cultural values.
"Through this program, visitors will gain a deeper understanding of the history and culture of ancient Thang Long and modern Hanoi, while also appreciating the close relationship between the capital city of Hanoi and the city named after President Ho Chi Minh, a dynamic, compassionate, and hospitable city," Ms. Vu Thu Ha emphasized.
An indispensable part of "Hanoi Days in Ho Chi Minh City" is the food. Typical Hanoi dishes like pho, bun cha, and banh cuon are sold, attracting many diners. The distinctiveness of these dishes lies not only in their flavor, but also in the embodiment of love and nostalgia for a city that was once so deeply connected to them. The feeling of biting into a fragrant bun cha or sipping a cup of aromatic lotus tea evokes a sense of returning to those autumn afternoons in Hanoi, sitting by the tranquil West Lake.
Food court at the event
Sharing with Travellive reporters, Ms. Ngoc Hang (26 years old, Ho Chi Minh City) said: "I've been to Hanoi three times and I really love and am impressed by this capital city. Today, wearing an ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dress) and exploring a Hanoi-themed space right in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City gives me a very different feeling. It's both familiar and new, making me miss Hanoi intensely."
Young people excitedly check in at impressive spaces that capture the spirit of Hanoi.
The event also features folk art performances, from water puppetry to spectacular <i>ca trù</i> (traditional Vietnamese singing) performances, offering viewers unique experiences. The scenery and sounds of the dances and musical instruments transport viewers into a serene artistic space, where every rhythm and lyric is imbued with the culture and essence of Northern Vietnam.
For those who have a deep connection to Hanoi, this is an opportunity to rediscover pieces of their soul. And for those who have never set foot in the capital, the event is a rare chance to feel, understand, and love more a Hanoi that is both distant and familiar.
Each soft silk ribbon fluttering in the breeze creates a gentle and poetic Hanoi atmosphere in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City.
“Hanoi Days in Ho Chi Minh City” is not just a simple cultural event, but also a bridge between the past and the present, between people and memories. It's a place where those far from Hanoi can return, a place where every resident of Ho Chi Minh City can find a little tranquility, a little gentleness of Hanoi amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Long Bien Bridge - a steadfast symbol of Hanoi through the years.
Flowing ao dai dresses amidst a recreated Hanoi setting.
As the event concluded, the echoes of those days in Hanoi still resonated in the hearts of the attendees, serving as a reminder of the inseparable connection between the two cities, between memories and reality, between love and nostalgia...
