"Exploring" traditional crafts in Hanoi's Old Quarter

Hanoi's Old Quarter is celebrating the 51st anniversary of the Liberation of Southern Vietnam and National Reunification (April 30, 1975 - April 30, 2026) and International Labor Day (May 1st) with a series of activities honoring traditional crafts. The main highlight is the introduction of the heritage of lacquerware and traditional Vietnamese lacquerware.

Delegates viewed products showcasing traditional lacquer painting techniques at the exhibition.

To commemorate the 51st anniversary of the Liberation of Southern Vietnam and the reunification of the country (April 30, 1975 - April 30, 2026), on the afternoon of April 15th, at the Old Quarter Cultural Exchange Center (50 Dao Duy Tu Street, Hoan Kiem Ward, Hanoi ), the Hoan Kiem Lake and Hanoi Old Quarter Management Board, in collaboration with artisans, artists, researchers, etc., organized the opening of a series of unique cultural, artistic, exhibition, and experiential activities in the Hanoi Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake area with the theme "Exploring the Crafts of the Old Quarter".

Traditional music performances marked the opening of a series of cultural activities in Hanoi's Old Quarter titled "Touching Traditional Crafts 2026".

Hanoi's Old Quarter is a melting pot of cultural heritage and unique traditional crafts. In the context of the current development of the cultural industry, this craft heritage not only needs to be preserved but also becomes a driving force for creativity and sustainable economic development, in line with the spirit of Resolution No. 80-NQ/TW dated January 7, 2026, of the Politburo on the development of Vietnamese culture.

This year, the program focuses on the traditional lacquerware craft, aiming to connect heritage, creativity, and community, contributing to the preservation and promotion of the value of traditional crafts in daily life.

As part of the "Touching the Crafts of the Old Quarter 2026" event series, the Hanoi Old Quarter Cultural Exchange Center is hosting an exhibition themed "Traditional Lacquerware: A Historical Legacy." Here, the organizers will introduce the history, the entire process, and the artistic value of traditional lacquerware – a unique traditional material in Vietnamese fine arts.

Also related to the lacquer craft, at Ha Vi communal house (No. 17 Hang Hom Street, Hoan Kiem Ward) there will be an exhibition "The Flow of Vietnamese Lacquer - From Heritage to Contemporary," introducing the history of the craft, a map of the craft village, techniques, and contemporary creative products.

Meanwhile, at the Fujian Assembly Hall (40 Lan Ong Street, Hoan Kiem Ward), an exhibition titled "From Do Paper" will be held, introducing the craft of Do papermaking; organizing experiential activities: making Do paper (soothing paper), dyeing Do paper; printing woodblock prints of various types of paintings, making handicrafts from Do paper (paper fans, etc.); introducing and experiencing medicinal teas and bio-pharmaceutical products.

Other venues include: Kim Ngan Temple (42-44 Hang Bac Street, Hoan Kiem Ward) showcasing "Applied art combining lacquer and horn crafts in fashion"; and the Cultural and Arts Center (22 Hang Buom Street) displaying "Memories of Hanoi" (introducing vintage Peugeot cars, antique sewing machines, etc.).

Historical sites such as Dong Lac communal house, Tu Thi communal house, Yen Thai communal house, etc., showcase traditional crafts and products.

In addition, numerous seminars, experiential journeys, and networking events taking place from April 17-24 promise to provide attendees with a wealth of interesting and unique information.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ms. Ngo Thi Thuy Duong, Head of the Hoan Kiem Lake and Hanoi Old Quarter Management Board, said: “This year’s theme is ‘touching’ the craft heritage of the Old Quarter. This is a connection between the public and the layers of traditional craft culture that have been passed down through generations. Through a series of activities at cultural spaces and heritage sites, we hope to recreate a vibrant cultural space where the public can learn about and experience crafts such as lacquer painting, Do paper making, and other handicrafts… This is how traditional craft heritage lives in contemporary life.”

The series of activities in Hanoi's Old Quarter also aims to create more space to serve domestic and international tourists during the April 30th and May 1st holidays.

GIANG NAM

Source: https://nhandan.vn/cham-nghe-pho-co-ha-thanh-post955831.html