Vietnam Week 2024 in USA honours cultural identity, inspires future

Hosted by Vietnam Society, an organization dedicated to fostering the understanding of Vietnam’s past and present through the richness of its art and culture, the event attracted the participation of thousands of people from various communities in Washington D.C. and around the world.

Delegates, including cultural and historical researchers invited from Vietnam and representatives from various states across the US, had the opportunity to admire performances featuring the royal attire of the Nguyen Dynasty, learn about woodblock prints of ‘Truyện Kiều’ (The tale of Kieu), and enjoy dishes of Hue, among others.

The program offered delegates an engaging glimpse into Vietnam through colourful and refined royal costumes, as well as royal processions from the late 19th century.

Erin Stenhauer Phuong, the founder of Vietnam Society, noted that this program helps strengthen community bonds and preserves the traditional values of Vietnamese culture.

“We are proud to showcase the captivating aspects of thousands of years of traditional Vietnamese culture to international friends, the American public, and the Vietnamese community in the US,” said Erin Stenhauer Phuong.

In recent years, Vietnam Society has consistently held programs to showcase traditional Vietnamese culture at the National Museum of Asian Art during the Lunar New Year festival, alongside cultural events from other communities such as China and the Republic Korea.

According to Andrew Well Dang, a Vietnam expert from the United States Institute of Peace (USIP), this museum is a long-standing institution for both professionals and the American public. Vietnam has a rich and diverse culture with a long history that needs to be shared with everyone. This program presented many aspects in a way that the American audience appreciates.

In addition to cultural activities, Vietnam Week 2024 also organized a youth forum on heritage and peace. The forum empowered young Vietnamese Americans and others living, studying, and working in the US to share their ideas and visions for the future. The forum also invited experts from USIP, scholars, and representatives from the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam to engage in roundtable discussions with the youth, aiming to build a common vision for creating a prosperous and peaceful Vietnam together.

Vietnam Week 2024 celebrated Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage, enriched the identity of the Vietnamese American community, and honoured the achievements of Vietnamese Americans while inspiring future generations.