The Hanoi International Light Festival 2025 kicked off with a spectacular event that captivated thousands, setting an unforgettable tone for the New Year festivities.
This opening spectacle, titled “Light Concert – Welcoming New Year 2025,” served as a mesmerizing prelude to the festival.
Presented by the Hanoi administration, Tay Ho District People’s Committee, and the Nhan Dan newspaper, the event seamlessly wove together joy, community, and aspirations for a prosperous future, all while celebrating the rich cultural tapestry of Hanoi.
What made this occasion truly groundbreaking was the innovative fusion of cutting-edge drone light technology and the timeless beauty of traditional Vietnamese symphonic music. This symbiotic partnership created a captivating artistic experience that enthralled audiences of all ages.
Dang Le Minh Tri, the creative mastermind behind the event, shared with the Vietnam News Agency that this production was an unprecedented endeavor. He described it as a harmonious marriage between a drone light show and a modern symphony orchestra, all set against the picturesque backdrop of West Lake. This unique setting, he explained, offered attendees a novel, captivating, and exhilarating experience.
The event showcased the crème de la crème of Vietnam’s artistic talent, presenting a harmonious blend of traditional and contemporary performers. Their collective efforts weaved a tapestry of music and dance that evoked a myriad of emotions, leaving the audience spellbound.
As evening descended, crowds began to gather, with tens of thousands of locals and tourists flocking to the intersection of Nguyen Hoang Ton and Lac Long Quan Streets in Tay Ho District. They eagerly secured their vantage points, anticipating the forthcoming spectacle.
At 8:40 p.m., after a series of captivating performances, the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived. The drone show, a symphony of lights and technology, took center stage. Accompanied by a stirring musical score, 2,025 drones ascended into the night sky, painting intricate images and vibrant text that transformed Hanoi’s skyline into a canvas of light and storytelling.
The drone display, set to a musical backdrop, narrated the millennia-old history and cultural wealth of Hanoi. It evoked a deep sense of pride and emotion among the spectators, many of whom were witnessing such a display for the first time.
Thanh Huyen, a resident of Ba Dinh District, shared her awe-inspiring experience: “Witnessing the drone show live for the first time was incredible. It surpassed any video I had seen; the emotions it evoked and the impact it left were truly unforgettable.”
Pham Dao, another attendee from Bac Tu Liem District, echoed similar sentiments, praising the event as a visually breathtaking experience for her family. She noted the increasing number of artistic initiatives hosted at West Lake in recent years, adding a layer of dynamism to the city’s Lunar New Year traditions.
Le Quoc Minh, the editor-in-chief of Nhan Dan, emphasized the event’s significance beyond its aesthetic appeal. As quoted by the Vietnam News Agency, he shared: “This event is more than just a feast for the senses; it fosters a sense of pride in our cultural heritage and elevates Hanoi’s status as a cultural and creative powerhouse in the region. It also aims to boost tourism and contribute to the development of the city’s vibrant night-time economy.”
With free admission, the ‘Light Concert – Welcoming New Year 2025’ ensured inclusivity and accessibility. It invited everyone, regardless of background, to partake in an artistic celebration of the Lunar New Year, creating memories that would endure long after the lights faded.
The resounding success and widespread acclaim for this event have ignited hopes that it will become an annual tradition—a highly anticipated fixture in the city’s cultural calendar, eagerly awaited by locals and visitors alike.
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