Explore centuries-long culture at Thang Long- Hanoi Festival 2025
Hanoi will once again celebrate its rich tapestry of history and culture as the Thang Long-Hanoi Festival 2025 brings together traditional arts, heritage performances and creative showcases across the capital.
THE HANOI TIMES — Hanoi is set to transform into a living museum this autumn, as the Thang Long–Hanoi Festival 2025 showcases centuries of cultural heritage through ancient rituals and contemporary artistry in a citywide celebration.
Water puppetry, a traditional folk art originating from Dao Thuc Village in Thu Lam Commune, Hanoi. Photo: Huy Pham/ The Hanoi Times
Scheduled to run from October 31 to November 9, the festival will unfold across various prominent cultural venues in the capital. The opening ceremony will be held at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, while the closing event will take place at the lively Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square, highlighting both the ancient and modern facets of the city.
According to the Hanoi People’s Committee, the festival honors Hanoi's cultural heritage while bringing its values into contemporary life. Through reinterpretation, integration and sustainable development, it aims to promote Vietnam’s heritage internationally.
Highlights include the art performance "Eternal Moment" at the Hanoi Museum, featuring Swiss composer Dominique Barthassat with Hanoi’s creative community.
Tug-of-war is played all over the world, but sitting tug-of-war is its funkier version. This ancient game can only be found at the Tran Vu Temple Festival in Hanoi. Photo: Huy Pham/ The Hanoi Times
The “Hanoi Puppetry Festival” will expand at Ba Kieu Temple on Hoan Kiem Lake, while “Heritage Convergence” at the Temple of Literature will feature traditional and contemporary music, crafts from Vietnam’s three ancient capitals – Thang Long, Hue, and Hoa Lu – and exhibits from the Central Highlands.
The festival also showcases Hanoi’s cuisine and handicrafts, with fifteen heritage performances brought to wards and communes, including Bai Bong Dance, Bong Dance, the Chu Dong Tu Festival, the “Sitting Tug of War” at Tran Vu Temple and Dao Thuc Water Puppetry.
New highlights include the “Thanh Tan Hanoi” painting exhibition, the “Oh Hanoi” art program, the “Heritage and the Future” educational exhibition, and water puppetry at Giam Garden–Temple of Literature.
The event also marks the 10th anniversary of UNESCO’s recognition of the tug of war ritual as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Adding an international dimension, delegations from Switzerland, China and South Korea will participate, fostering cross-cultural dialogue and global appreciation of Vietnam’s heritage.
Hanoi has assigned clear responsibilities to ensure a well-organized, impactful festival that leaves a lasting impression on both domestic and international audiences.
