On the evening of September 27, the Hanoi Book Festival 2024, themed "Hanoi: Capital of Culture, Heroes - City for Peace," officially kicked off at the pedestrian zone by Hoan Kiem Lake.

Directed by the Hanoi People's Committee in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Communications, the festival features participation from over 30 publishers and book distribution enterprises nationwide, creating a vibrant space for reading culture and offering engaging book exchange and experience programs.

Several diplomatic agencies, including the embassies of Laos, Cambodia, France, and Italy, have set up booths at the festival, promising a variety of colorful cultural exchange activities.

A space of the French Institute in Vietnam at the book festival. Photo: Ngo Minh/The Hanoi Times

In his opening speech, Ha Minh Hai, Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee, stated that the festival serves not only as a cultural event but also as a bridge of knowledge, where each book carries stories, ideas, and wisdom to be shared widely.

This year's festival reinforces the vital role of books in modern society, especially amid the rapid development and international integration of the capital.

According to Hai, the enthusiastic participation of readers will be crucial in determining the success and cultural identity of the book festival. It will enhance the cultural values of Thang Long-Hanoi and celebrate the tradition of the heroic Capital—City for Peace—transforming Hanoi into the "Capital of Books and Knowledge."

This aligns with the goal of building Hanoi to be a hub for cultural convergence and promotion, fostering endogenous strength for sustainable development.

The festival features numerous meaningful activities that underscore the importance of books in social life, showcasing the studious tradition of the Vietnamese people and promoting the rich cultural heritage of Thang Long-Hanoi.

Ha Minh Hai, Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee speaks at the opening. Photo: VNA

The highlight of the festival is the exhibition of books, themed "Hanoi: The Heroic Cultural Capital - City for Peace." Publishers and book companies have organized numerous engaging and meaningful exchange programs, introducing new works that celebrate the cultural and historical traditions of Thang Long-Hanoi and Vietnam as a whole.

The French Institute in Vietnam will showcase a collection of French books translated into Vietnamese, along with a variety of cultural exploration activities, games, and opportunities to connect with special moments.

On the afternoon of September 28, renowned comic book author Maxime Péroz will host an interactive session and sign copies of his book Learning to Draw Comic Characters. Having lived and worked in Vietnam, Péroz has dedicated his career to creating and teaching the art of character design and illustration. This book is the culmination of many years of his expertise.

Later that evening, at 7:00 p.m., attendees can enjoy a showcase of the latest images and creations featuring the Eiffel Tower, an iconic symbol of France.

Nguyen Viet Thang, Deputy Director of Dong A Cultural Joint Stock Company, emphasizes that the Hanoi Book Festival has evolved into a hub for both domestic and international publishing entities, serving as a cultural meeting point for book enthusiasts.

He stated, "Through cultural activities and book talks, the festival enriches the reading culture and broadens the understanding of Hanoians and tourists alike."

This year, TikTok, a leading e-commerce platform in Vietnam, is joining the Hanoi Book Festival 2024 to help publishing units promote their books digitally. Previously, TikTok Vietnam collaborated with the Department of Publishing to foster a love for reading through the BookTok community, connecting books with younger readers.

Nguyen Lam Thanh, a representative from TikTok Vietnam, shared, "At this year's festival, we're launching special promotional campaigns on our platform to fully support publishing units in digital promotion. Our goal is to not only sell books but also create a bridge between authors, publishers, and readers, expanding their reach to a wider market."

The festival runs until September 29, featuring a diverse range of activities and experiences for all attendees.