Hanoi Autumn Festival 2023 with the theme "Hanoi Autumn-Come to Love" kicked off on the evening of September 29 at the pedestrian zone near Hoan Kiem Lake.

Permanent Deputy Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee Nguyen Thi Tuyen visits the booth at the Hanoi Autumn Festival.

The festival, organized by the Hanoi People’s Committee, lasts from September 29 to October 1, promising a vibrant festivity of Hanoi's culture.

The Hanoi Autumn Carnival is set to charm with its street art exhibitions. Furthermore, a gastronomic exploration of Vietnam's diverse regions is on offer, complemented by an array of traditional and contemporary games.

In addition, 150 pavilions will be positioned along Dinh Tien Hoang, Le Thach and Bat Giac House in the Ly Thai To Flower Park, introducing many products from trade villages and special dishes and gifts during Autumn around the capital city as well as destinations from across the country.

Foreign visitors find out about Hanoi tourism. Photo: Hoai Nam/The Hanoi Times

During the festival, a conference on the development of MICE and Golf Tourism, the performances of dragon and lion dances by artists from Thanh Oai District, a procession of Mid-Autumn festival lanterns from Son Tay town, a kite show by Dong Anh District, the flower arrangement of Me Linh District, puppet performance of My Duc District, and the art of processing and enjoying lotus tea.

The re-enactment of past and present weddings, an ao dai (traditional long robe) show, kid parade activities, a painting contest for children, and the parade of cyclos, bicycles, and double-decker buses will take place during the festival.

The businesses will also introduce tours, air tickets, and travel services during the festival. Notably, a photo exhibition entitled “Colours of Hanoi Autumn” is expected to delight visitors.

Ten districts of the capital city, along with 14 provinces and cities nationwide, participate in the event to introduce their tourism packages and products, and heritage sites.

Artisans from Te Tieu Village perform puppets. Photo: Hoai Nam/The Hanoi Times

Visitors to the festival will see many images of other countries and people introduced by embassies and diplomatic agencies of Cuba, India, Laos, Cambodia, Philippines, Sri Lanka and Palestine.

At the opening ceremony, Vice Chairman of Hanoi People's Committee Nguyen Manh Quyen said that the Hanoi Autumn Festival 2023 is the first event organized by the municipal authorities to praise tourism, culture, heritage and nature of Hanoi.

He said the festival would contribute to the comprehensive development of the capital's tourism in quantity and quality.

“With the goal of gradually turning tourism into a key economic sector, the city has offered many new tourism products associated with the capital tourism brand,” he said.

On the occasion, the Hanoi cuisine introduction space with the theme "Essence of Vietnamese cuisine" opened at the Hanoi Children's Palace, 36 Ly Thai To Street, Hanoi.

The event offers visitors a chance to indulge in both traditional and contemporary delicacies and delve into the narratives behind each dish.

Guests can experience a gastronomic delight with 51 culinary stalls showcasing different dishes. Also, culinary artists at the event will share the intricacies of crafting traditional fares while exploring the significant role of cuisine in Vietnamese culture.

On the last day of the festival (October 1), it’s estimated that more than 1,500 people will participate in the carnival parade, with the participation of artisans from craft villages, art troupes, businesses and people living in Hanoi. The highlight is the gong-performing team with more than 100 Muong people.

The lion-dragon dance is a turn of the event performed by more than 600 people from Thanh Oai District. Besides, the parade includes people in ao dai, cyclos, and puppeteers creating a colorful and cheerful atmosphere.

Director of Hanoi Promotion Agency Nguyen Anh Duong said the Hanoi Fall Festival helps promote the beauty, cultural values, and tourism of the city as an attractive, quality, and safe destination.

“Autumn is the most beautiful time of the year in Hanoi. Tourists have the best conditions to explore famous landmarks and enjoy the capital's unique cuisine," Duong said.