The festival’s opening ceremony, themed "Hanoi - The Essence of Ao Dai," took place at Doan Mon Square in the Thang Long Imperial Citadel on the evening of October 4.

The ceremony featured vibrant performances that evoked Hanoi's rich 70-year history, with fashion displays and cultural reenactments showcasing the city’s heroic spirit and continuous development.

Ao Dai Carnival  

One of the festival’s highlights is the Ao Dai Carnival, which will be held on October 5 from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel and nearby streets.

The carnival will feature synchronized performances and a large-scale parade titled "Women of Hanoi: Integration and Development," with participants of all ages donning Ao Dai to promote the love for this traditional dress. This event is set to take place across 579 local communities in Hanoi.

"Night of Ao Dai" Art Show  

On the evening of October 5, from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM, the "Night of Ao Dai" art show will be held, featuring 70 Vietnamese Ao Dai designers from across the country.

The show will also include a special segment with the wives of ambassadors to Vietnam modeling the Ao Dai. This prestigious event will take place at the Doan Mon Square stage in the Thang Long Imperial Citadel.

Ao Dai Design Competition Finale

The Ao Dai Design Competition is an exciting part of the festival, aimed at discovering and nurturing fashion design talents from local universities and colleges.

After months of preparation, the competition will conclude with a final round on October 6, showcasing innovative designs that reflect the beauty of the Ao Dai.

"Essence of Ao Dai" City Bus  

A special city bus tour, "Essence of Ao Dai," will take place on October 4 and October 10, featuring hundreds of passengers dressed in Ao Dai. The bus tour will pass through iconic tourist destinations in Hanoi, with the October 10 journey expecting over 1,000 participants.

Cultural and Creative Spaces  

Throughout the festival, several cultural exhibitions will be held at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel. These include displays of traditional and modern Ao Dai, interactive workshops on how to style the Ao Dai with accessories, and opportunities to pose for photos in the iconic dress.

Visitors can also enjoy a showcase of Hanoi's culinary delights, including the famous "Thang Long Five Flavors" cuisine.

Hanoi Ao Dai Month  

Building on the success of last year’s Ao Dai Community Week, the Hanoi Women’s Union has launched "Hanoi Ao Dai Month" from October 1 to 20. During this time, government officials, employees, and students across the city are encouraged to wear Ao Dai every Monday and Friday, and especially on October 10, Hanoi’s Liberation Day. This initiative is part of a broader effort to promote the wearing of Ao Dai at important events and celebrations across the city.

Additional Activities  

In addition to the main events, other festival highlights include parades, the “Check in Ha Noi” challenge, and the “Ao Dai Dance” performances. These activities are designed to engage the community and allow visitors to take part in the celebration of Hanoi’s cultural heritage.

Thu Hoai

Photos: Hanoi Department of Tourism.