Hanoi past and present in the hearts of expatriates

Hanoi, past and present, in the hearts of those living abroad.

That feeling of nostalgia is expressed by Vietnamese people living in the Czech Republic through the program "Hanoi Past and Present - A 10-Year Journey."

Held at the Dong Do Event Center in Prague, the program recreated a Hanoi of thousand-year-old glorious history, complete with its typical landscapes, culture, and cuisine . "Hanoi Past and Present - A 10-Year Journey," the program allowed those who love the capital to meet friends, share their love and nostalgia for home, reminisce about the journey of past and present memories, and together experience the love of Vietnam right in the heart of Europe.

The program was attended by representatives from the Vietnamese Embassy, leaders of the Union of Vietnamese Associations in the Czech Republic, and a large number of Vietnamese people living, studying, and working in the Czech Republic and Europe.

Recreating scenes of Hanoi at the program "Hanoi Past and Present - A 10-Year Journey". Photo: MAI LAN

For the past 10 years, the "Hanoi Past and Present" program has served as a bridge connecting and expressing national love and pride. This year's event not only marks a decade but also holds special significance as it has become a bridge connecting and spreading the love and national pride of Czech expatriates towards their homeland, Vietnam.

The artistic performances in the program took the audience back in time, conveying a profound message about the memories of Hanoi. Opening the show, the Vietnamese community in Prague sang the song "Marching Towards Hanoi." The stirring melodies evoked the heroic spirit of the day the army and people marched to liberate the historic capital (October 10, 1954). Following this, People's Artist Dieu Huong, with her powerful and emotional voice, transported the audience back to the memories and beauty of Hanoi.

The Hanoi Xam performance by Diệu An, a young representative of the generation of Vietnamese born in the Czech Republic, left a deep impression. Growing up in a foreign land, Diệu An, through her simple melodies and sincere emotions, recreated the atmosphere of old Hanoi, demonstrating the younger generation's connection to their national cultural roots. Particularly noteworthy was the performance of "12 Seasons of Flowers," combined with a traditional Ao Dai fashion show, which depicted a colorful picture of Hanoi, evoking feelings of Hanoi's beauty through each season. The graceful Ao Dai dresses both honored the beauty of Vietnamese women and stirred national pride, helping the audience feel a deeper connection and love for their homeland.

Besides the cultural performances, a cozy atmosphere with images reminiscent of Hanoi also appeared in the program. These included the ancient, elegant, moss-covered O Quan Chuong gate, the old streets, Ho Guom Lake, and the Hanoi Post Office . The atmosphere of Hanoi's life during the heroic resistance years and peaceful times was meticulously and vividly recreated, from familiar street signs in the old quarters, to tea stalls on street corners, sidewalk eateries, docks, cyclos, Hanoi draft beer shops, and Trang Tien ice cream parlors…

Within the framework of the program, the community also had the opportunity to fully enjoy the exquisite cuisine of Hanoi. Eighteen carefully selected dishes such as fresh green rice flakes, boiled peanuts, roasted peanuts with basil, banh cha (Vietnamese savory pancake), banh troi tau (sticky rice balls in sweet soup), pho (Vietnamese noodle soup), lotus seed and black jelly sweet soup, fried spring rolls, dried beef salad… brought sweet flavors of home to those living far from their homeland.

Ten years is not a long time, but it's enough for the program to become a familiar cultural meeting point, bringing the charm, music, and memories of Hanoi closer to the community.

The program has become a spiritual bridge, bringing the spirit of Hanoi to the hearts of those living and working far from home, helping the Vietnamese community to better appreciate the value of national culture and to love their homeland even more.

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