Vietnamese Culture Shines Abroad: Festivals, Arts, and Sports Foster International Exchange

Communities across Vietnam celebrated the Mid-Autumn Festival with local activities and support for children. In Lao Cai province, the border guard command presented gifts to disadvantaged students for the new school year. Warm wishes were extended to Vietnamese children at home and abroad, as well as foreign children living in Vietnam. Vietnamese traditional culture is also gaining international attention. Hoi An's lantern making, with over 400 years of history, symbolizes Vietnam's cultural heritage with its delicate craftsmanship and warm glow. The Vietnamese traditional dress, Ao Dai, was showcased at London's Fashion Week, highlighting its design, fabrics, craftsmanship, and creative interpretations within international fashion industry standards. Vietnam's achievements in sports are also notable. In Taekwondo, Nguyen Thi Dieu Ly secured a bronze medal in the women's 68kg category. Bui Ngoc Nhi also won a bronze medal at a tournament held in Japan, defeating a Singaporean opponent. In mixed doubles badminton, Nguyen Hoang Minh Tan and Trinh Gia Nghi overcame Indian opponents to claim a bronze medal. In terms of cultural exchange, Vietnam was invited as an honored guest country alongside Japan at a festival in France. This event also served as an opportunity to emphasize the friendship between Vietnam and Chile, built on shared values and mutual respect. The role of contestants in beauty pageants as "beauty ambassadors" who can share Vietnam's landscapes, culture, and people with the world was also highlighted. The message that heritage is not a relic of the past but a "living flow" that evolves and is enriched by each generation was conveyed by the Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Vietnamese films are also being featured with diverse themes alongside works from various European countries. Furthermore, the first Vietnam Ethnic Minority Women’s Football – VTV Cup is scheduled to be held in 2026, indicating the growing participation of women in sports within local communities. In Ho Chi Minh City, the concretization of standards for revitalizing cultural spaces is being called for. In Hanoi, a campaign connecting air travel with cuisine, music, and urban experiences is promoting the autumn season in new ways. A jazz festival is also being held, aiming to expand access to jazz and increase its visibility in the capital's urban cultural life. Vietnamese delegations are officially participating in ASIAD 2026, boosting athletes' morale. Coverage of sporting events is scheduled to be provided daily on Vietnamese television and social media channels. These activities can be seen as part of Vietnam's cultural promotion policies under its one-party system, aiming to protect domestic cultural heritage while also promoting it to the international community. For Vietnam, which continues to experience economic growth, strengthening its soft power is considered increasingly important for expanding its influence on the global stage and maintaining a balance in its relations with China. Source: VietnamPlus English