Vietnam, US celebrate friendship with cultural festival in Hanoi
Thousands of Hanoi residents gathered at Cau Giay Park to join the Vietnam–US Friendship Festival, a lively event celebrating 30 years of diplomatic relations through culture, sports and community activities.
THE HANOI TIMES — Thousands of Hanoian people gathered at Cau Giay Park on November 23 to join the Vietnam–US Friendship Festival, one of the ceremonial events marking three decades of relations between the two countries.
Numerous cultural booths, a folk games zone and a lively stage gave attendees the chance to enjoy the festive atmosphere and take part in a wide range of sports activities.
Areas showcasing and promoting educational opportunities attract strong interest from children. Photos: Lien Ha/The Hanoi Times.
The booths showcased the cultural identities of both nations through appealing activities such as handicraft workshops, English spelling contests and technology-based games for children.
Each activity used a point-accumulation system that allowed participants to redeem their points for souvenirs.
The sports arena featured popular sports from both countries, including basketball, American football, hula hooping, beanbag throwing and pull-up challenges.
The program also included dance lessons and a variety of traditional Vietnamese and American dishes, creating a welcoming cultural exchange space.
US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper said the event aimed to send a strong message of friendship between Vietnam and the United States.
Reviewing the 30-year journey of bilateral cooperation, he emphasized that relations now cover all major sectors, including trade, investment, education, science and technology, healthcare, security and defense.
He highlighted educational cooperation as a key bridge deepening mutual understanding between the peoples and youth of both countries.
Knapper said he hopes Vietnam will rise to fourth place in the number of international students in the United States, up from its current fifth position.
He encouraged Vietnamese youth to focus on education, English proficiency, and STEM fields, including science, technology, engineering and mathematics, which he described as essential for future industries.
Meanwhile, Dong Huy Cuong, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO), reaffirmed the special role of people-to-people diplomacy in advancing Vietnam–US ties.
“Alongside political trust between the two governments, the emotional foundation and mutual affection of the two peoples for each other’s culture and country are of great importance,” Cuong said.
He said VUFO will continue to expand partnerships with US universities, research institutes, states and businesses. He also proposed organizing an annual Vietnam–US people-to-people forum to strengthen cooperation among industries and enterprises in both countries.
The following are some moments captured during the event:
Experiential activities and cultural and educational information from both countries receive warm attention.
Thousands of people visit Cau Giay Park on the weekend to take part in the meaningful and engaging friendship event.
Vietnamese folk games are presented as part of the festival program.
Cultural booths featuring handicraft workshops draw large numbers of children.
The check-in areas prove especially popular.
Food stalls are bustling with visitors.
Musical performances reflecting the cultural identities of both countries featured during the festival.
Areas promoting educational opportunities are highlighted throughout the event.
