HCM CITY — More than 400 cultural, arts, and sports activities will take place nationwide to promote the celebration of Việt Nam Culture Day on November 24.

The event also marks National Great Unity Day (November 18) and commemorates the 80th anniversary of the First National Cultural Conference (November 24, 1946 – 2026).

Speaking at a press conference in Hà Nội on November 5, Lê Quang Tự Do, Director of the Authority of Broadcasting and Electronic Information, stated: “The celebration is a significant initiative aimed at implementing Politburo Resolution No 80 on the development of Vietnamese culture, affirming the role of culture in social life and providing opportunities for people to directly participate in, create, and enjoy cultural activities and values.”

Do said that since October, provinces and cities across the country have prepared a wide range of cultural, artistic, sporting, and tourism-related activities showcasing the heritage and cultural identity of various regions.

He added that as of November 5, 406 programmes and activities have been scheduled to serve audiences nationwide, including 282 cultural and arts events, 36 sports events, and 85 exhibitions.

Two notable programmes promoting Việt Nam Culture Day feature the Việt Nam Cultural Digital Map (CMAP), a digital platform mapping cultural events, heritage sites and artistic activities; and Thanh âm Việt Nam – Giai điệu cuộc sống (The Sound of Việt Nam – Melodies of Life) programme to collect sounds, melodies and musical creations reflecting Việt Nam’s cultural identity. 

Do also shared, “The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has finalised preparations for the commemorative ceremony of the 80th anniversary of the First National Cultural Conference, which will evaluate past achievements, identify ongoing challenges and obstacles, and outline future strategies for cultural development.”

He noted that the first National Cultural Conference, held on November 24, 1946, marked a vital milestone in Việt Nam's cultural history, closely linked to President Hồ Chí Minh's ideology on the role of culture in building and defending the country.

The commemorative ceremony will take place at 9am on November 24 at the Hồ Gươm Opera House in Hà Nội. It will be broadcast live on Việt Nam Television’s VTV1 and the Voice of Việt Nam radio station’s VOV1.

National celebration

Hà Nội will host the opening ceremony of “Việt Nam Culture Day in Hà Nội” from 7:30 to 9:30 am on November 21 at the Statue of King Lý Thái Tổ, together with a parade featuring the country’s heritage and artistic performances.

Residents and visitors can explore experiential spaces and art performances at Hoàn Kiếm Lake, Đông Kinh Nghĩa Thục Square, the Cảm Tử Monument, and the Tràng Tiền–Hàng Khay area from November 21 to 24.

Free screenings to mark the eighth Hà Nội International Film Festival and Việt Nam Culture Day will be held from November 22 to 24 at the National Cinema Centre. Mobile screenings will bring films to remote areas, border regions, and islands.

The highlighted event will be a special art programme and fireworks display launched by Hà Nội and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, beginning at 8pm on November 24 at the Mỹ Đình National Stadium. The programme is expected to attract around 50,000 spectators and will be broadcast live on VTV1.

Huế City will launch a series of performances and exhibitions honouring Vietnamese and Huế heritage, including nhã nhạc (Vietnamese royal court music), bài chòi (a traditional game combining folklore singing and lottery picks), áo dài (Vietnamese traditional dress), cuisine and handicrafts, on November 22-24.

The public can also visit an exhibition of Emperor Thiệu Trị’s poetry presented through digital technology at the Huế Museum of Royal Antiquities, scheduled to open on 22/11.

Provincial celebrations

In Thái Nguyên Province, the Ethnic Culture Festival will take place on November 22–23 at the Museum of the Cultures of Việt Nam’s Ethnic Groups and Võ Nguyên Giáp Square, combining heritage performances and traditional sports.

Bắc Ninh Province will host a quan họ festival for local performers from November 16 to 18, followed by a quan họ singing program on boats on November 23.

Quãng Ngãi Province is set to open the "Week of Great Solidarity of Ethnic Groups – Cultural Heritage" on November 18, followed by the Intangible Cultural Heritage Festival from November 20–23 in Kon Tum Ward, featuring gong performances, street festivals, and showcases of traditional crafts.

Đà Nẵng will host a 3D Mapping light show on the Hàn River on November 231 and an arts programme on November 24, while Khánh Hòa Province will offer an artistic show titled “The Sounds of Home” on November 22 at 16 April Square and the Chăm folk music and dance performances at the Po Nagar Tower and the Po Klong Garai Tower on November 24.

In addition, provinces and cities in the Cửu Long (Mekong) Delta will organise a wide range of activities to honour tài tử music, a traditional music genre that originated over 100 years ago in the South, river culture, and the Khmer people’s Ok Om Bok Festival, scheduled for November 21–25. — VNS