The Hanoi Union of Friendship Organizations (HAUFO), in collaboration with the Lao Embassy in Vietnam—current ASEAN Chair for 2024—and other ASEAN member states, will host the "Colors of ASEAN" friendship cultural festival in the capital city from August 29 to September 1.

HAUFO Vice President Tran Thi Phuong at the press conference. Photo: Lien Ha/The Hanoi Times

“With activities like the "Colors of ASEAN" cultural exhibition and the "ASEAN Colors" friendship cultural exchange, the event promises to be a vibrant cultural celebration, attracting the attention of both the residents of Hanoi and international visitors,” HAUFO Vice President Tran Thi Phuong shared the information during a press conference held on August 16.

Phuong added that the "Colors of ASEAN" event is a meaningful initiative, promoting Vietnam's image, particularly that of Hanoi, to international friends. It also serves as an opportunity to honor and spread the spirit of unity and friendship among ASEAN nations.

Detailing the program, she highlighted the event’s rich and impressive experiential space, which includes: 57 creative booths showcasing products from Vietnam and other ASEAN countries, souvenirs for young people and families, traditional consumer and fashion items from various nations; 70 "Street Flavors" booths replicating Hanoi’s old quarters, with installations of cyclo rickshaws, clanging trams, flower-laden bicycles, food stalls for the Hanoi Beer Festival, international beers, coffee, tea, fruit juices, and dining options for visitors; and 79 "Village Scents" booths focusing on cultural diplomacy, economic exchanges, and regional agricultural products.

Phuong noted that at the event, artists will paint on silk to create a record-breaking artwork to contemporary music. The artwork will be donated to the organizers or divided into 11 smaller pieces to be presented to ASEAN embassies or auctioned on-site.

Additionally, the opening ceremony will take place on the evening of August 29, beginning with the ribbon-cutting for the "Colors of ASEAN" Cultural Exhibition, followed by a friendship cultural exchange program.

The event will also feature unique activities such as calligraphy performances on silk, a children's drawing contest, and a night tour of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel.

According to the organizers, with its large scale and diverse content, the "Colors of ASEAN" Friendship Cultural Festival will not only promote cultural exchanges among ASEAN countries but also affirm Hanoi's role as a cultural hub of the nation and the region. The event promises to be an unmissable destination for Hanoi residents and tourists in late August and early September this year.

This festival also offers an opportunity for ASEAN countries and businesses within the bloc to showcase traditional handicrafts and products, fostering exchange, learning, and collaboration for mutual development.

Speaking at the press conference, Deputy Ambassador of Laos to Vietnam, Latana Siharaj, shared that during Laos’ chairmanship of ASEAN this year, the Lao Embassy in Vietnam has coordinated many meaningful activities to strengthen solidarity and friendship within ASEAN.

In recent times, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the city of Hanoi, and particularly the HAUFO, have facilitated the Lao Embassy’s participation in numerous people-to-people diplomacy activities, cultural exchanges, and the upcoming "Colors of ASEAN."

The Laos Deputy Ambassador also expressed confidence in the success of the event, affirming that this significant initiative will help promote and strengthen unity and bonds among ASEAN nations as well as with other countries around the world.