The entire space around Hoan Kiem Lake these days has transformed into a miniature Hanoi from olden times, with recreated city gates such as O Cau Giay (Cau Giay Gate) and O Dong Mac (Dong Mac Gate).

Along Dinh Tien Hoang Street, models representing Hanoi’s most distinctive heritage were displayed, including the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, Hanoi Flag Tower, Dong Xuan Market, and the moss-covered ancient houses of the Old Quarter.

Under the gentle autumn sun, at precisely 7:30 AM on October 6, the grand re-enactment performance “Hanoi Memories” kicked off the activities of the “Cultural Festival for Peace,” a key event celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Capital Liberation (October 10, 1954 - 2024) and the 25th anniversary of Hanoi being awarded the title “City for Peace” by UNESCO.

With three segments: “The Days of National Resistance”, “Emotions of October”, and “Hanoi Spirit”, the artists vividly recreated the legendary story of King Le Loi returning the precious sword to the Turtle God in Hoan Kiem Lake, symbolising the wish for independence, freedom, peace, and prosperity.

They also depicted the nine arduous years of resistance, culminating in the world-shaking Dien Bien Phu victory, leading to the joyful and triumphant return of the victorious army on October 10, 1954, and showcased a dynamic and creative Hanoi in its development.

In the atmosphere of excitement and pride, Tran Sy Thanh, Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee, emphasised in his speech: “Throughout the history of fighting to build and defend the country, alongside efforts to secure peace, independence, and freedom, Hanoi has been honoured by both the people at home and abroad, receiving noble titles such as “The Capital of Conscience and Human Dignity”, “City for Peace” and “Creative City”, and awarded the title “Heroic Capital” by the Party and State.

“The ‘Cultural Festival for Peace' aims to spread the message of the value of culture, peace, and the creativity of the people of Thang Long - Hanoi through the ages.”

The most anticipated part of the “Cultural Festival for Peace” was the art performances and parade. Everyone was moved when witnessing the historical re-enactment of “Victory Day”. It was a sacred and proud moment as the army marched past the podium.

Particularly emotional was the portrayal of Doctor Tran Duy Hung, the first Chairman of the Hanoi Administrative Committee, waving to the people of the capital on October 10, 1954, from a convertible car, followed by the victorious troops “bringing the glory of the nation back.”

It was unforgettable, marking a glorious milestone in Vietnam’s struggle for independence and Hanoi’s development journey.

The next part of the performance and parade was titled “The Flow of Heritage”. After the resounding drumbeats, Hanoi’s unique cultural heritages were introduced.

The audience was continuously surprised by the rich heritage of Thang Long – Hanoi. Right after the Ai Lao Dance was a performance re-enacting the Giong Festival in Phu Dong Village, Gia Lam District. The flag dance performance created magnificent and heroic images at the main stage area on Dinh Tien Hoang Street, in front of the Ly Thai To Monument.

The programme continued by introducing the “Mother Goddess Worship” belief, including the Chau Van singing, an art form associated with Mother Goddess worship.

This was followed by a parade showcasing the worship tradition of Thang Long Tu Tran (the four guarding temples of Thang Long), the worship of the Trung Sisters, and the tradition of scholarly achievement in Thang Long.

Then came various folk arts such as the Senh Tienn dance, Bai Bong dance, Ai Lao dance, Giao Long Dragon dance, Tong Goi boat rowing, etc.After the folk performance and parade, there was a procession of craft villages.

Beyond the large-scale parades, the “Cultural Festival for Peace” was also an opportunity to honour Hanoi’s cultural heritage and peace-loving traditions, encouraging each person to contribute to the city’s growth and development.