Vietnam Culture Festival Celebrates 75 Years of Ties in Moscow

A vibrant festival celebrating the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Russia and Vietnam has commenced in the heart of Moscow. The event, which opened on July 28, 2023, is set to run until August 3, offering a rich tapestry of Southeast Asian culture through over 100 activities.

The festival is part of the city’s larger ‘Summer in Moscow’ program, aiming to foster cultural connections through music, dance, cuisine, and traditional crafts. “The festival is timed to coincide with the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our countries,” stated Natalia Sergunina, Deputy Mayor of Moscow.

Among the highlights is the renowned Vietnamese water puppet theater, a unique performance tradition that dates back to the 11th century. Attendees can also experience demonstrations of traditional martial arts, engage in bamboo pole dancing, and enjoy the sounds of traditional instruments that mimic nature.

The festival offers various workshops, including sessions on crafting toys from rice dough and learning to prepare signature dishes, such as Pho Bo soup and fresh spring rolls. Culinary pavilions are serving popular Vietnamese delicacies, including coffee and green rice desserts.

In addition to performances and workshops, the open-air celebration features a market with decorative goods from Vietnam, showcasing hand-painted Non hats and Dong Ho prints. Art installations and photo zones have been set up in a central square near the Kremlin, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Vietnam is recognized as a strategic partner for Moscow in the tourism sector. Official statistics indicate that over 36,000 Vietnamese visitors traveled to the Russian capital last year, with approximately one in four trips undertaken for business purposes. Authorities anticipate an increase in cross-border tourist flows through collaborative projects and cultural exchanges.

This festival is part of a series of multicultural events organized in Moscow this summer, marking an opportunity to deepen people-to-people ties. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1950, both nations have worked to strengthen their connection, and this year’s anniversary serves as a significant milestone in their ongoing partnership.