Vietnam Week 2024, organized by Vietnam Society, a cultural organization for the Vietnamese community in the US, took place at the Smithsonian’s Asian Art Museum from October 4-12. Attendees had the opportunity to witness performances showcasing traditional Nguyen Dynasty costumes, explore woodblock prints of "The Tale of Kieu," folk poems, and proverbs, and savor authentic Hue cuisine.

Overview of the event.

According to Andrew Well Dang, a Vietnam expert at the US Institute of Peace (USIP), the Smithsonian's Asian Art Museum is a well-established venue for both experts and the American public. "Vietnam has a rich and deep cultural heritage that deserves to be showcased," he said, adding that the program successfully presented this heritage in ways that resonated with American audiences.

Nguyen Thi Hai Trieu, a visitor from Houston, Texas, shared: "Everything here is beautiful. I've never experienced Vietnamese culture in such a perfect setting before, and I feel so proud of our culture."

This year's Vietnam Week was organized by Vietnam Society in collaboration with young Vietnamese professionals living and working in Washington D.C., along with cultural and historical researchers invited from Vietnam and Vietnamese representatives from various US states. The event captivated visitors with the intricate and colorful imperial costumes and reenactments of royal processions from the late 19th century.

Erin Stenhauer Phuong, founder of Vietnam Society, emphasized that the program fostered community unity and helped preserve traditional Vietnamese cultural values. "In the wonderful setting of the Asian Art Museum, we are proud to present the mesmerizing aspects of Vietnam's thousands of years of cultural heritage to international friends, the American public, and the Vietnamese diaspora in the US," she said.

The Smithsonian's Asian Art Museum, part of the broader Smithsonian system, attracts millions of visitors each year. It regularly hosts in-depth exhibitions showcasing Asian cultures. Featuring Vietnamese culture at this prestigious venue requires a high level of professionalism and cultural value. In recent years, Vietnam Society has regularly organized programs promoting traditional Vietnamese culture at the Asian Art Museum, particularly during Lunar New Year celebrations, alongside cultural showcases from other communities like China and Korea.

In addition to cultural activities, Vietnam Week 2024 also featured a Youth Forum on Heritage and Peace. With the theme of shared roots and a common future, the forum empowered Vietnamese-American youth and those living, studying, and working in the US to share their ideas and visions for the future. Experts from the USIP, scholars, and representatives from the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam participated in roundtable discussions with the youth, aiming to build a shared vision for a prosperous and peaceful Vietnam.

Vietnam Week 2024 celebrated the rich cultural heritage of Vietnam, strengthened the identity of the Vietnamese-American community, honored the achievements of the Vietnamese diaspora, and inspired future generations.

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