On the afternoon of June 8, the Viet Phong Convergence Parade took place in Hue City, attracting more than 1,000 participants. This event is part of the Community Ao Dai Week, within the framework of the National Tourism Year and Hue Festival 2025.
The highlight of the program is the Royal Procession of Hundred Flowers , designed and restored by the Hundred Flowers Group. The Nguyen Dynasty Royal Procession is vividly recreated on many streets, with costumes based on historical documents from the late 19th and 20th centuries.
Many people think that the costumes of the palanquin bearers are inappropriate for a fashion event (Photo: Vi Thao).
In the parade, a model dressed as the "queen" sat on a palanquin, carried by more than 10 men along the roads along the Perfume River, Truong Tien Bridge, Nguyen Dinh Chieu walking street and the ironwood bridge.
However, one controversial detail is the costumes of the palanquin bearers. Many opinions on social networks have judged this costume as inappropriate and offensive, causing a wave of mixed comments.
“Should we use yin gong (funeral) costumes to carry the palanquin? We hope the festival organizers will consider this carefully for next time,” commented Que Vo.
The parade group wore costumes designed based on historical documents of the Nguyen Dynasty (Photo: Vi Thao).
“If you want to recreate it, it has to be accurate, right? Who would disrespect culture and the public like that? That is an insult to culture, not a celebration of culture,” said Thanh Nguyen.
“Yesterday I saw a livestream (live broadcast on a social media platform) and I was going to comment but then I thought better of it! I don't understand who came up with this trick,” another person wondered.
Artist Duong Minh Bao Tri ( Hue city) commented that whether it is a performance or promotion, the organizers need to research and stage seriously to avoid unnecessary mistakes that cause offense in the community.
According to the organizers, the Viet Phong Hoi Tu program is not only a visual festival but also a declaration of Vietnamese cultural identity. In the heart of the ancient capital, the ao dai, ao ngu than, and nhat binh… once again stride, continuing the glorious story of the nation through each fold of fabric and each solemn step.
This event also affirms that Vietnamese costumes do not only belong to museums or stages, but are gradually returning to life, as a part of contemporary Vietnamese culture.
Painting of ancient palanquin bearers for the Nguyen Dynasty kings and mandarins (Photo: Provided by the Director of the Department of Culture and Sports of Hue City).
Dr. Phan Thanh Hai, Director of the Department of Culture and Sports of Hue City, said that Viet Phong Hoi Tu is a community event, attracting young people and tourists who love traditional costumes to participate in honoring traditional Vietnamese costumes.
Among them, more than 500 young people from three regions of the country paid their own expenses to travel to Hue to join the parade.
According to Mr. Hai, in the group there was a group of young people from the North, who transformed into kings and queens, but not Queen Nam Phuong or any other specific character. They paid all the expenses for renting costumes and palanquin bearers.
Regarding the offensive costumes of the palanquin bearers, according to Mr. Hai, it is because the young people are a bit hasty and do not understand the regional culture. On the other hand, it is partly because many people misunderstand, assuming that it is the exclusive property of the Yin Gong troupe, but in fact it is inherited from the costumes of the ancient palanquin bearers.
According to cultural researcher Nguyen Xuan Hoa, former director of the Department of Culture and Information of Thua Thien Hue province (formerly), Viet Phong Hoi Tu is a parade program with costumes, bringing the liberal and joyful features of the masses and young people.
Because many people are used to the image of Nguyen Dynasty soldiers' uniforms following a standard, conventional framework, they feel uncomfortable watching a public program.
Source: https://dantri.com.vn/du-lich/tai-hien-le-ruoc-hoang-hau-do-doi-mai-tang-khieng-gay-tranh-cai-20250609104233328.htm
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