The Truc Bach Night cultural event, which runs from November 29  to  December 1, is a major attraction in Hanoi for visitors, especially young people, who can experience how their parents lived during the subsidy period nearly 40 years ago.

A glimpse into the past

A visitor poses for a photo in a set from the subsidy period at the Truc Bach Night event. Photo: Jenna Duong

Dressed in a fashion from 40 years ago, Tran Hong Phuc, a visitor from the northern province of Nam Dinh, said he was very excited to come to the event.

"The space and the objects displayed here give a very vivid feeling. It allows young people like us to picture the lives of our parents and grandparents before 1986, when the country embarked on an economic reform called Renewal," he told The Hanoi Times.

Dao Nguyet Minh, a young visitor from Cau Giay District, said: "The space of the subsidy period is truthfully recreated and cleverly integrated with subtle reminders of the past hardships prior to the country's renovation process."

As a young person, I think that more attention should be paid to the spiritual values of the subsidy era. The previous generations, no matter how hard or uncomfortable their lives were, still found romance and beauty in that tough time. That's the positivity I think we young people need today," Minh added.

Visitors taking a photo on Tram No. 6 on Pearl Island-Ngu Xa Peninsula, Ba Dinh District.

Minh reflected: 'We are so busy chasing after distant, flashy things that we sometimes forget to look back, to look around, to remember and appreciate what we have. Now I understand why my father always says, 'In those days, the most precious friends were those who shared sweets with each other, and we are still friends today. The most treasured thing about family ties and friendship in those days was the sincere attachment and sharing between people. It is engraved in the hearts of those who suffered, and even now, when they are well off, they always bring it up with joy and sincere appreciation for each other."

Recreating the subsidy period in the Dao Ngoc-Ngu Xa pedestrian area would inspire today's young people to draw more creative ideas from old things and continue to make discoveries in culture and art in the future.

Family bonding opportunity

Rice-themed installation at the event takes visitors back in time.

During the three-day event, many families and groups of friends took advantage of the weekend to explore the creative space on Pearl Island - Ngu Xa Peninsula in Ba Dinh District. Following in their parents' footsteps, young children couldn't help but be curious about the artifacts and spaces modeled on the past.

The families took souvenir photographs and recalled unforgettable memories of the subsidy period. Many young people were wide-eyed and wide-mouthed as they listened to their grandparents and parents talk about their childhood.

Hanh Trinh, a resident of Tay Ho District, and her son Quoc Huy took a walk "back in time" through the exhibits on Ngu Xa Peninsula. "Through the cultural activities here, young people have a chance to understand a hard time in the past and what their grandparents and parents went through to build a wealthier present like today. At the same time, people who survived the hardships will feel a little nostalgia for the past, missing what is gone and appreciating what is left," she said.

Layout of a photo studio during the subsidy period in Hanoi.

 Foreign tourists enjoy unique experiences

Not only Hanoians with their nostalgia for the good old days, but also many foreign tourists are overwhelmed by the flow of memories in Dao Ngoc-Ngu Xa.

A Canadian couple, Sammy and Louise Smithe, joined the crowds flocking to the "festival" and experienced a variety of unexpected emotions.

"I had heard that Truc Bach Lake had an appealing food street, so I decided to visit. Louise and I were lucky enough to arrive at the start of a new tour. This is a unique opportunity to experience a part of Vietnam's history in a brand new way and a feeling that instantly evokes strong emotions in us. Your previous generation is, in my opinion, a resilient class of people who can adapt to any situation and carry on living. They remain full of faith, aspiration and love of life in spite of challenges. Because of this, Vietnam is a beautiful and safe country that welcomes us as it is now," Sammy said.

Sammy and Louis immerse themselves in the vibrant melody of Boney M's song 'Daddy Cool'. Photo: Tung Linh

"Louise and I are very happy to try snacks such as green rice flakes or sweet rice popcorn, and also wonderfully lively music. I had no idea that Vietnamese people would still like Boney M in 2024, that was my favorite band and I couldn't resist getting lost in that melody," said Sammy with a smile.

Wesley Green, from the US, said he fell in love with Vietnam when he arrived a few years ago. When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, he returned home for about a year and a half before returning to Vietnam. "I live in an apartment nearby and it's exciting to see how much more vibrant the area has become. I hope Hanoi will continue to develop such dynamic spaces and activities," he told The Hanoi Times.

Over the three days, the Truc Bach Night program offered both locals and visitors new travel experiences and an opportunity to discover the cultural characteristics of the Hanoi people and the nostalgic area that characterizes old Hanoi.