Young voices celebrate and preserve Hanoi’s cultural heritage
The "Voice of Heritage" finale celebrated Hanoi's cultural soul as 14 student teams passionately brought the city's rich history to life.
The grand finale of the "Voice of Heritage" contest, organized by SIMPace English Center, unfolded as a celebration of Hanoi's rich cultural heritage, bringing together the creativity, passion and youthful voices of high school students in Hanoi on January 10. Held at the Dong Da Cultural Center, the event featured 14 outstanding teams from high schools with more than 500 students across Hanoi, who transformed their appreciation of the city's history into compelling stories.
Over the course of nearly two months, from November 18, 2024 to January 10, 2025, the contest attracted 142 teams with nearly 1,000 submissions. Through three rounds: concept creation, video teasers, and full presentations, students explored Hanoi's cultural treasures, blending artistic expression with historical depth.
| The two hosts open the event with an engaging introduction, setting the tone for the program and highlighting the meaningful journey of the “Voice of Heritage” competition. |
"Despite being in the midst of exams, they all took the time to participate in this competition. Let them guide us to a deeper appreciation of the unique and captivating cultural heritage that belongs only to Hanoi," said a member of the organizing committee.
The competition provided a rare opportunity for young people to delve deeply into their heritage and bring new perspectives to timeless cultural icons. Each presentation was not just a performance, but a heartfelt message about preserving Hanoi's identity in a rapidly modernizing world.
| The ceremony begins with a modern dance performance by 10th-grade students from Yen Hoa High School to the song Vu Tru Co Anh. |
The Shark Tank team from Phuc Loi High School brought history to life with their vivid portrayal of O Quan Chuong's pivotal role in the defense of Hanoi during the French invasion in November 1873. The audience was inspired by the bravery of Governor Nguyen Tri Phuong and the determination of Hanoi's soldiers and citizens as they fought fiercely to protect one of the city's five ancient gates.
| The military and people of Hanoi fight bravely against the French colonizers to protect O Quan Chuong Gate. |
The Yen Hoa Hustlers' performance transported the audience back to the 14th century, the heyday of education in Vietnam under the Tran Dynasty. It brought to life the revered tradition of learning and examination, highlighting the wisdom of scholars (ong do) and the cherished custom of asking for calligraphy (xin chu). Set against the iconic backdrop of Vietnam's first university campus, Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam, the team recreated scenes of feudal teachings, ceremonies of respect for teachers, and the aspirations of students.
"They may only be high school students, but they've managed to tell us so many heartfelt stories about Hanoi's cultural heritage - the little things that are so intertwined with our daily lives, yet often taken for granted. They breathed new life into these treasures using creative approaches such as skits, music, and engaging presentations. Their efforts not only impressed us, but also reminded us of the beauty and value of what we sometimes overlook," said Le Thang, a member of the jury.
| The scholar welcomes a new student into the class. |
Dong Da High School's team, The Prisoner's Fate, delivered a stirring tribute to revolutionary hero Nguyen Van Hung, a political prisoner in Hoa Lo Prison during the French colonial period. Through a poignant re-enactment, they honored the indomitable spirit of Vietnam's revolutionaries who chose death over betraying their homeland.
"The image of hero Nguyen Van Hung sacrificing his life for the Vietnamese homeland really moved me and many other students. The previous generation sacrificed everything for us to have the life we have today. I really hope there will be more competitions like this so that the younger generation can better understand the values of our nation," said Nguyen Tue Minh, a student from Phan Dinh Phung High School.
| Hero Nguyen Van Hung resolutely refuses to give up any information about the Vietnamese People's Army to the French colonialists in Hoa Lo prison. |
Phan Dinh Phung High School’s Silent Me team celebrated the delicate artistry behind com, Hanoi’s iconic autumn delicacy. Set in the craft village of Vong, their presentation highlighted the meticulous process of creating these green rice flakes—from selecting the perfect grains to roasting and pounding. The audience was treated to the rich history and traditions surrounding com, as well as the opportunity to savor its sweetness firsthand. This immersive and flavorful performance was a love letter to Hanoi’s culinary heritage.
| The locals enjoy playing chess while savoring Com (green rice flakes). |
The team from Ly Thuong Kiet High School took the audience on a sensory journey through two of Hanoi's beloved breakfast staples: pho and Vietnamese drip coffee (ca phe phin). Through lively storytelling and historical anecdotes, they unraveled the evolution of pho, which symbolizes warmth and tradition, and the cultural significance of ca phe phin, which embodies Hanoi's modern energy. Their performance captured the heart of Hanoi's bustling morning scenes and left the audience with a deeper appreciation for the city's rich culinary identity.
"I really enjoyed Ly Thuong Kiet High School's performance because it captured the peaceful, slow pace of Hanoi - a place often known for its bustling, lively atmosphere," said Nguyen Thu Uyen, a parent of a Hanoi student.
| The people of the Old Quarter enjoy a bowl of pho with rich traditional flavors, following by sipping on a cup of Vietnamese drip coffee. |
| The energetic dance performance with the theme "The Capital" brings excitement and enthusiasm to the audience. |
The Voice of Heritage competition concluded with the Yen Hoa Hustlers from Yen Hoa High School winning the championship for their outstanding presentation of Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam. A duet performance of the song "Vietnam in My Heart" closed the night, accompanied by the image of the Vietnamese flag waving proudly.
| The final performance with the song "Vietnam in My Heart" evokes a deep love for the country in each person. |
| The students take photos with their awards. |
Through their heartfelt presentations, the students breathed new life into Hanoi’s rich cultural heritage, weaving its timeless values and traditions into the fabric of modern life. Each performance became a vivid tribute to Hanoi’s profound historical roots, evoking a sense of pride and admiration for the city’s enduring beauty and cultural essence.
