Hanoi to host art programs in celebration President Ho Chi Minh’s birthday

THE HANOI TIMES — Hanoi will come alive with a variety of cultural and artistic programs in honor of the 135th birthday of President Ho Chi Minh, affectionately called Uncle Ho by the Vietnamese (May 19, 1890 – 2025).

The Hanoi Cheo Theater will kick off the festivities on the evening of May 17 with a performance in Dong Hoi Commune in Hanoi’s suburban district of Dong Anh.

On the night of May 18, performances will be held at several theaters. The Thang Long Puppetry Theater will perform in Lenin Park in Ba Dinh District. The Hanoi Cai Luong Theater will put on a show in Ung Hoa District. The Hanoi Circus and Variety Arts Theater will entertain crowds in Thuong Tin District. The Hanoi Drama Theater will take the stage in Soc Son District. The Thang Long Music and Dance Theater will perform in Long Bien District.

Each program is thoughtfully curated around three core themes: honoring the Communist Party of Vietnam, celebrating the life and legacy of President Ho Chi Minh, and expressing the Vietnamese people's love and pride for their homeland and cultural identity.

At the heart of these events is a profound tribute to President Ho Chi Minh, expressing the nation’s respect, gratitude, and admiration for a great leader who continues to inspire next generations around the world. Ho Chi Minh will be remembered as the beloved leader of Vietnam’s revolution, as well as a cultural icon and a champion of peace and humanity.

These performances are organized by the city's leading artistic institutions and are richly produced and creatively staged. They feature a mix of traditional and contemporary forms, including singing, dancing, music, theater, puppetry, and circus acts.

A feature of the commemorative program is the special performance, "May Gifts for Ho Chi Minh," which is scheduled for the evening of May 14 at the Hanoi Opera House.

Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Ta Quang Dong directed the show, which unfolds in three parts: "The Person Who Sought the Image of the Country," "The Flag of Peace," and "The Shining Name of Ho Chi Minh." This spectacular production blends live music, dance, theater, visual effects, cinema, and modern 3D mapping technology.

The first chapter revisits the childhood of Nguyen Sinh Cung, Ho Chi Minh's birth name, and his remarkable 30-year journey in search of national liberation. Through expressive dance and holographic visuals, the piece "White Winters" poignantly portrays his experiences abroad, particularly in France.

Chapter two highlights President Ho Chi Minh’s vision for global peace and solidarity. The featured documentary, Ho Chi Minh: The Flag of Peace and Global Influence, includes insights from international scholars and longtime friends of Vietnam from countries such as France, India, Cuba, and across Africa. Each offers heartfelt reflections on his legacy of compassion and leadership.

In the final chapter, the audience is reminded of the Vietnamese people's enduring strength and unity as they follow the path Uncle Ho laid out, a path that continues to guide the nation in its progress and global integration today.

Through these performances, the organizers hope to inspire younger generations with the values of patriotism, sacrifice, and national pride that defined President Ho Chi Minh's life and work.