Combining tradition and modernity

Prepare to be amazed as this year's Hanoi Creative Design Festival unveils exciting fusions of tradition and modernity. Photo: Le Hoi Thiet Ke Sang Tao Ha Noi

Hosted by the Hanoi People’s Committee and the Vietnam Association of Architects Hanoi, it is an annual event that aims to realize the initiatives and commitments with UNESCO when Hanoi becomes a member of the Creative Cities Network.

As part of the festival, a gifted crossroads connecting the capital's typical historical heritage sites will be piloted for the first time.

Accordingly, the main venue of Hanoi Creative Design Festival 2024 is August Revolution Square, with its north-south axis stretching from Ly Thai To Street to Le Thanh Tong Street and its east-west axis from Bac Co Slope to Trang Tien Street.

The area includes the Hanoi Children's Palace, State Guest House (formerly Tonkin Palace), Hanoi Opera House, Vietnam National History Museum, Hanoi University, and five flower gardens of Ly Thai To, Co Tan, Dien Hong, Opera House, and Tao Dan, Hanoi's prominent architectural icons.

The map of “Creative Intersection” at Hanoi Festival of Creative Design 2024. Photo: Page Le hoi Thiet ke Sang tao Ha Noi

Foster Hanoi's innovative potential

The opening ceremony of the Hanoi Festival of Creative Design 2024 will kick off with the vibrant "Street Market Parade" at 7:30 PM on November 9 at August Revolution Square, in front of the Hanoi Opera House.

Themed "Intersection," the opening program will draw inspiration from the ancient urban landscape of Thang Long, celebrating the seamless blend of past and present.

The ceremony will feature a unique 360-degree open stage designed to incorporate both tangible elements (such as location, architecture, and streets) and intangible elements (memories, stories, festivals, rituals, traditional knowledge, and patterns), showcasing the community’s creative spirit and dedication to preserving and evolving Vietnamese culture.

Other 100 interesting activities will take place within nine days across the city. In particular, locals and tourists will be able to experience space models at the Hanoi Children's Palace and the Vietnam National History Museum, flower gardens, and various locations along the festival routes.

There will also be a variety of performing arts, including folk dances, intangible cultural heritage showcases, local cinema, theater, circus acts, and fashion collections by emerging designers.

Worthy of UNESCO's Creative Cities Network 

Young audiences to Hanoi Creative Design Festival 2023.

According to Bui Hoai Son, a permanent member of the National Assembly's Committee on Culture and Education, Hanoi provides an imaginative environment while raising awareness and increasing the participation of the entire community.

The city fosters the conditions for innovation and seeks to encourage all stakeholders to participate in the visionary process. This broad participation helps create a collaborative environment where ideas and initiatives from diverse sources are welcomed and maximized.

"Playing the role of an 'inventive conductor', Hanoi's whimsical influence has spread to many localities, of which the cities of Hoi An and Dalat joined UNESCO's Creative Cities Network after the capital," he said.

"Organizing the festival is one of the meaningful activities to strengthen the image of Hanoi's city. With its scale and themes expanding every year, the festival has become a popular meeting point for innovation and culture lovers in the capital," he added.

"The Call" installation by local artist Thu Tran in the funky space of Gia Lam Train Factory, Hanoi Creative Design Festival 2023.

Le Cong Nang, General Director of WonderTour, believes the Creative Design Festival is an excellent opportunity to "combine tradition and modernity" through heritage tours. He suggested that Hanoi should develop tours that highlight its historical attractions and cultural heritage on this occasion.

"Heritage exploring tours allow visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the capital's history while celebrating its rich heritage. It helps enhance the visitor experience and embodies the spirit of innovative crossroads," he added.

Held annually, the festival inspires and strengthens artistic expression among citizens. It also aims to encourage the development of a network of young designers and creators, support inspired spaces, and facilitate the launch of the Coordinating Center for Inventive Activities shortly.