Hanoi Ao Dai Tourism Festival – Cultural and Historical Celebration
In celebration of the 70th anniversary of Hanoi’s Liberation (1954-2024), the city will host one of the most significant cultural events of the year—the Hanoi Ao Dai Tourism Festival 2024. This is the third time the festival has been held since its debut in 2022, honoring the traditional Ao Dai of Vietnam while promoting the history, culture, and continuous development of Hanoi.
Opening Event – Celebrating 70 Years of Pride
The festival will officially kick off at 8:00 PM on October 4, 2024, at the Đoan Môn Square in the Thăng Long Imperial Citadel, Hanoi. Under the theme “Hanoi – The Essence of Ao Dai”, the opening ceremony will bring to life 70 years of the capital’s proud history, combining dance performances and fashion showcases of the elegant Ao Dai. Spectators will witness a vibrant display of Hanoi’s heroic past during times of conflict and its present-day transformation as a dynamic, modern, and globally integrated city.
Ao Dai Carnival – A Parade of Tradition
On the morning of October 5, the Ao Dai Carnival will take place at 8:00 AM, organized by the Hanoi Women’s Union. This large-scale parade will be accompanied by traditional dance performances, brightening the streets of central Hanoi with a showcase of the graceful Ao Dai. The event aims to spread the love of Ao Dai to people of all ages and backgrounds, both local and international, inviting everyone to appreciate its cultural significance.
Ao Dai Night – A Cultural Confluence of Three Regions
On the evening of October 5, from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM, the festival will host “Ao Dai Night”, featuring 70 prominent Ao Dai designers from across Vietnam’s North, Central, and South regions. A special highlight will be the Ao Dai fashion presentation by the spouses of ambassadors from various countries. This highly anticipated event will serve as a cultural bridge, celebrating both the beauty of Ao Dai and international connections in a globalizing world.
Ao Dai Design Contest Finals – Spotlighting Young Talent
At 2:00 PM on October 6, the Final Round of the Ao Dai Design Contest will take place, showcasing the creative talents of fashion students from universities and colleges in Hanoi. The competition is designed to encourage young designers to express their passion for Ao Dai, helping to cultivate the next generation of creative minds and further promote Ao Dai in the community.
Ao Dai Exhibition and Vendor Spaces – Bridging Tradition and Modernity
In addition to the main events, the festival will feature an Ao Dai exhibition and vendor spaces, displaying the creations of renowned designers and brands from all three regions of Vietnam. The exhibition, held within the grounds of the Thăng Long Imperial Citadel, will include about 80 open booths, offering visitors a chance to explore Ao Dai products, accessories, traditional handicrafts, and tourism services. This space will highlight the exquisite craftsmanship and rich history behind the Ao Dai, merging traditional values with modern fashion trends.
Festival Goals and Message
The Hanoi Ao Dai Tourism Festival 2024 aims not only to honor the beauty of the Ao Dai but also to promote Hanoi as a vibrant tourist destination to both domestic and international visitors. The city hopes to make Ao Dai a familiar part of everyday life, worn by people across all professions and in important ceremonies, thus reaffirming the cultural significance of this iconic garment.
With a rich schedule of activities and events, the Hanoi Ao Dai Tourism Festival 2024 promises to be a must-visit for those who love culture, fashion, and the rich history of Vietnam’s thousand-year-old capital.