2024 was a banner year for Hanoi's cultural industry, marked by groundbreaking events that captivated audiences and left a lasting impact. The city's efforts were recognised nationally, securing a spot among the top 10 most notable cultural, sports, and tourism events in Vietnam.
A year of unforgettable events
Hanoi's cultural calendar was highlighted by two standout festivals: the Hanoi Festival for Peace and the Hanoi Creative Design Festival. The Festival for Peace, an immersive performance involving over 10,000 participants, showcased the city's tangible and intangible cultural heritage. This grand spectacle set a new benchmark for performance technology and creativity, embodying the essence of Hanoi's history.
The Creative Design Festival, which drew about 300,000 visitors, was a celebration of creativity across various domains, including architecture, performance, fine arts, and fashion. For the first time, iconic architectural sites such as the University of Hanoi, now the University of Natural Sciences, Vietnam National University – Hanoi and the Bac Bo Phu, now the Government Guesthouse, opened their doors to the public, offering a unique glimpse into the city's architectural legacy.
The capital's performing arts scene was alive with energy. The Anh Trai Say Hi (Brothers say hi) concert at My Dinh National Stadium, Bond's performance at the National Convention Centre, and Westlife's electrifying show at the My Dinh Indoor Athletics Arena were the highlights that had fans in awe. But the cultural crescendo was perhaps the musical The Dream of Chi Pheo by Thang Long Music and Dance Theatre, a project a decade in the making, which sold out shows, proving Hanoi's readiness to lead in the cultural arts.
Digital leap forward
Hanoi isn't just preserving its culture, it is propelling it into the future with digital innovation. The Hanoi Culinary Culture Festival 2024 introduced Digital Pho, where robots served the iconic Vietnamese dish, blending tradition with modernity.
Cultural sites like the Temple of Literature and Thang Long - Hanoi Heritage Conservation Centre have embraced 3D technologies to offer nighttime tours and immersive historical experiences, respectively. Even the somber halls of Hoa Lo prison have been transformed into an interactive narrative with automated systems.
The commitment to cultural development was echoed by Permanent Vice Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee Nguyen Van Phong, who outlined the city's s plans under the Resolution on cultural development from 2021-2025, with eyes set on 2030 and beyond. Hanoi aims to cement its identity as a Creative City, promising to continue this journey of cultural innovation and preservation.
