Hanoi Ao Dai Festival 2023 Kicks Off

The inauguration of the festival, themed “Hanoi – The Essence of Ao Dai,” occurred on the evening of October 4 at Doan Mon Square, located in the Thang Long Imperial Citadel.

This grand opening was filled with lively performances celebrating Hanoi’s glorious 70-year past, featuring fashion showcases and cultural presentations that mirrored the city’s spirited evolution and resilience.

A key attraction of the festival is the Ao Dai Carnival scheduled for October 5, running from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel and the surrounding streets.

The carnival will consist of a coordinated showcase and a vibrant parade named “Women of Hanoi: Integration and Development,” where participants of various ages will wear Ao Dai to honor this cherished traditional garment. This celebration is set to involve 579 communities throughout Hanoi.

That same evening, from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM, the “Night of Ao Dai” performance will entertain guests, featuring 70 talented Ao Dai designers from across Vietnam.

Included in this unique event is a segment where the spouses of ambassadors to Vietnam will walk the runway in stunning Ao Dai. This high-profile occasion will be hosted at Doan Mon Square in the Thang Long Imperial Citadel.

Another engaging aspect of the festival is the Ao Dai Design Competition, aimed at unearthing and fostering new fashion talent from local educational institutions.

The competition’s long-awaited results will culminate on October 6, highlighting inventive designs that celebrate the beauty of the Ao Dai.

A unique bus tour titled “Essence of Ao Dai” will run on October 4 and October 10, featuring several hundred attendees dressed in Ao Dai. This tour will take participants to famous landmarks throughout Hanoi, expecting over 1,000 involved on October 10.

During the festival, various cultural exhibitions will be hosted at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel. These will include showcases of both traditional and modern Ao Dai, hands-on workshops for styling Ao Dai with accessories, and opportunities to capture memorable photos in this iconic attire.

Food enthusiasts can also savor the local flavors, including the cherished “Thang Long Five Flavors” dishes.

Following the success of last year’s Ao Dai Community Week, the Hanoi Women’s Union has introduced “Hanoi Ao Dai Month,” running from October 1 to 20. During this period, officials, workers, and students are invited to wear Ao Dai every Monday and Friday, especially on October 10, to commemorate Hanoi’s Liberation Day. This initiative aims to encourage the wearing of Ao Dai during key events citywide.

Additional highlights of the festival include lively parades, the “Check in Ha Noi” challenge, and the “Ao Dai Dance” performances, all crafted to engage the community and allow guests to immerse themselves in Hanoi’s rich cultural heritage.

Photos: Hanoi Department of Tourism.