Nearly 50 countries will converge in Hanoi for the World Culture Festival 2025.

On the evening of October 10, at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel Heritage Center, the first World Cultural Festival in Hanoi opened, marking the first time nearly 50 countries from five continents gathered in the capital to honor global culture and arts.

The Prime Minister and delegates performed a special ceremony (painting on five-colored ceramic tiles) to inaugurate the festival. Photo: QUANG PHÚC

The event, jointly organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs , and the Hanoi People's Committee, takes place from October 10 to 12 with the theme "Culture as the Foundation - Art as the Means," and is considered a key cultural diplomacy activity of Vietnam in 2025.

The festival brings together 48 countries, 45 cultural spaces, 34 international food stalls, 23 art troupes, along with dozens of film screenings, exhibitions, performances, workshops, and multinational cultural exchanges.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh visits the exhibition spaces at the festival. Photo: QUANG PHUC

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh stated that culture is the thread that connects people to people, nations to nations, and countries to countries. The First World Culture Festival in Hanoi is a vivid testament to that connection, where cultures meet, interact, and shine together.

The Prime Minister acknowledged that this first-ever festival, as the saying goes, "every beginning is difficult," and inevitably faced initial challenges. However, the successful organization of today's event demonstrates the tremendous efforts of all parties involved, bringing joy and expanding the avenue for cultural exchange between different ethnic groups and Vietnam, as well as between Vietnam and international friends.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh delivers the opening speech. Photo: QUANG PHUC

The Prime Minister expressed his deepest condolences to the people affected by natural disasters, as the country has recently suffered from a series of storms causing severe flooding, and called on the entire nation and international friends to join hands in supporting people to quickly stabilize their lives.

The Party and the State have always considered culture as the spiritual foundation, the strength that unites the nation and integrates it into the world, and hope that the festival will receive international support to become an annual event, spreading the spirit of sharing, solidarity and the image of a peaceful and friendly Vietnam.

Opening art performance. Photo: QUANG PHÚC

The World Cultural Festival not only celebrates cultural diversity but also embodies the spirit of humanity, showing that people, regardless of language or skin color, share a common spirit of sharing and solidarity, working together to heal the world and create a better life.

In particular, the charity auction and donation program attracted a strong response. All funds raised will be transferred to localities affected by floods, to support the reconstruction of houses, schools and civil works.

The opening ceremony took place on the evening of October 10th with a special art program "Colors of Vietnam - Rhythms of the World," bringing together many Vietnamese and international artists.

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/gan-50-quoc-gia-hoi-tu-tai-ha-noi-trong-le-hoi-van-hoa-the-gioi-2025-post817417.html