The Van Phuc Craft Village Culture, Tourism, and Trade Week 2024 began on November 30 under the theme “Ha Dong – The Land of Silk Weaving and Quintessence”.

Van Phuc Ward receives a certification from the Hanoi Department of Industry and Trade on November 30. Photo: Bich Hoi/The Hanoi Times

The event is being held to commemorate the 120th anniversary of Ha Dong District's establishment (December 6, 1904 – December 6, 2024). Running until December 6, the event features three main segments: ceremonial rituals, cultural activities, and a trade fair.

A key highlight of the ceremonial segment is the ceremony honoring the founders of the craft village, scheduled for December 1, 2024, with over 1,000 participants expected. The procession will pay tribute to the three saints who founded Van Bao Village (now Van Phuc Village) and taught the villagers the art of silk weaving.

On December 4, ceremonies will be held to offer memorial gifts to the village founders. On the same day, Van Phuc authorities will inaugurate the House of Fame.

The traditional house will display documents, images, and artifacts to highlight the significant contributions of artisans and skilled workers to preserving and developing the craft village over time and educate younger generations about their heritage.

The cultural section blends various forms of intangible cultural heritages, including water puppetry, folk singings and ritual performances. It also showcases Hanoi’s traditional crafts such as Quang Phu Cau incense, Phu Vinh rattan, and Trach Xa traditional ao dai.

Besides, visitors can travel around Van Phuc Village to explore historic and cultural landmarks, such as the Memorial House for President Ho Chi Minh, where he wrote the letter to call for national resistance on December 19, 1946, and the complex of temples and shrines dedicated to the craft founders.

The tour aims to showcase Van Phuc as a "Revolutionary Red Address" and introduces its 1,000-year-old silk weaving tradition with local market, ornamental plantation, and local cuisine.

Van Phuc Village, located in Hanoi’s Ha Dong District, is renowned for its traditional silk weaving, recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage.

The local government has invested in cultural, religious, and technical infrastructures to promote the craft village’s potential for tourism development, said Nguyen Van Du, Chairman of the Van Phuc Ward People’s Committee.

“Since its inception in 2013, the event has been organized four times, becoming a flagship event. It proudly celebrates the village’s rich heritage, exceptional craftsmanship, and diverse services,” he said.

"This year, the local authorities aim to celebrate the artistry and history of Van Phuc Silk Village, promote intangible cultural heritages, enhance the region's tourism appeal, and foster cooperation among Hanoi's craft villages," he said.

It also emphasizes sustainable tourism development linked to the region’s socio-economic growth, Du said.

At the opening ceremony, the Hanoi Department of Industry and Trade certified Van Phuc Ward as a Center for Design, Creativity, Promotion, and Marketing of OCOP Products and its silk products.