The US-Vietnam Friendship Festival taking place in the heart of Hanoi is the first of its kind to commemorate the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership recently upgraded, a milestone in the relations. 

US Embassy and VUFO's staff in an Ao dai performance held at Thang Long Imperial Citadel on Dec 2. Photos: Dinh Hoa

Held by the US Embassy in Hanoi and the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO), the public festival took place at the UNESCO-recognized Thang Long Imperial Citadel on December 2 to celebrate people-to-people ties between the two countries. 

The event featured traditional American and Vietnamese games, arts and crafts, sports, and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) activities. 

A wide variety of booths showcased information about bilateral cooperation in diverse fields including health, environment, education, business, and culture. There were musical performances by artists of both nations, including Adrienne Mack Davis and Julian Heughan, Suc Song Moi (New Vitality) orchestra, Vietnamese folk dance; Ao dai performances by the US Embassy in Vietnam and VUFO.

The festival also included special performances by US hip-hop Arts Envoy Adrienne Mack-Davis, the Bamboo Orchestra under the direction of Dong Quang Vinh, and singing and dancing exhibitions by American volunteers.  

Festival attendees can also get more information about visiting the US, studying English, and applying for exchange programs, education scholarships, and jobs at the US Mission by interacting with representatives of the US Embassy.

Activities are suitable for families and children of all ages while both American and Vietnamese food was available for sale, together with select prizes and giveaways.

The event attracts a large number of visitors.

The US Embassy and VUFO arranged a seminar before the public festival where academics, government officials, and important partners talked about the evolution of the bilateral relationship. They also discussed the future relations following the historic upgrade to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership announced by President Joe Biden and General Secretary of the Communist Party Nguyen Phu Trong during President Biden’s September 10-11 visit to Hanoi.

The US-Vietnam Friendship Festival is a singular occasion that showcases the scope and depth of collaboration between the two nations and embodies the common goal of promoting understanding between peoples through cultural engagement.