The Hanoi Lotus Festival kicked off with a spectacular opening ceremony on the Trinh Cong Son pedestrian street. A highlight of the event, the ceremony featured a captivating art show with 1,200 professional and amateur performers on a floating stage, enhanced by underwater light mapping technology—a unique effect celebrating the vibrancy and beauty of the lotus plant.
As a first-of-its-kind event, the festival also showcased a range of activities, including OCOP product introductions and exhibits showcasing the culture of northern mountain provinces. Lotus products took center stage, and a workshop on preserving and developing Vietnamese lotus flowers added an educational dimension. The festival presented a holistic experience, connecting attendees with the local community and its traditions.
The five-day festival also featured community-led events, such as a record-breaking gathering of 1,000 people donning traditional long dresses adorned with lotus motifs and a mass cycling event around the scenic West Lake, with an impressive 7,000 participants. These events fostered a sense of unity and celebration within the community.
Attendees also had the opportunity to discover unique artistic creations and specialty products crafted from lotus flowers, as well as other distinctive offerings from the northern mountainous provinces. This aspect of the festival highlighted the creativity and cultural heritage of the region.
Addressing the opening ceremony, Bui Lan Phuong, vice chairman of the Tay Ho District People’s Committee, emphasized the festival’s role in promoting the allure of Hanoi’s lotus flowers and its rich cultural heritage. The event, she noted, presented a valuable opportunity to boost tourism and local economic development, harnessing the potential of specialty products and attracting visitors to the capital.
Phuong also shared that the timing of the first Hanoi Lotus Festival coincided with the peak lotus season, a busy period for traditional lotus tea-making households in Quang An village, Tay Ho district. She expressed her vision for the event to evolve into a signature tourism product and a go-to summer gathering for tourists in the years to come.
The Hanoi Lotus Festival promises to be a memorable celebration, offering a unique blend of culture, community, and the enchanting beauty of lotus flowers. With its diverse range of activities and exhibits, it is set to leave a lasting impression on all who attend, capturing the essence of Hanoi’s rich traditions and natural wonders.
Ancient house in Ma May
NDO – Ma May, a rare quarter that still retains several old houses, has created one of the characteristics of Hanoi. Hanoi’s streets are becoming increasingly crowded and traditional features can sometimes be hidden behind modern life. But if one takes the time to relax and look around, the ancient features begin to reveal themselves.
A Glimpse of Hanoi’s Old Quarter
Recently, the Management Board of Hanoi’s Old Quarter cooperated with the city of Toulouse to open an exhibition named “Ke cho – Pho co” (City Dwellers – Old Quarter) at Hanoi’s Old Quarter Cultural Exchange Centre to depict the formation and development of Hanoi’s Old Quarter in the past 1000 years.