Creativity, cuisine and tradition in Hanoi this weekend

Festival of creativity and design

The Hanoi Creative Design Festival 2023 is a collaborative initiative involving the municipal People's Committee, Architecture Magazine, and the Department of Culture and Sports.

Supported by UNESCO, UN-Habitat, international entities, businesses, creators, and artists, the festival centers around the theme "Flow," and spotlights the Red River's role in connecting historical, cultural, and socio-economic aspects of the capital.

The Hang Dau Water Tower has been converted into a space dedicated to art. Photo by VnExpress/Giang Huy

The festival will feature 60 cultural activities, utilizing four notable architectural landmarks in Hanoi. The activities include exhibitions, workshops, art shows, community events, fairs, and children's playgrounds.

With the participation of over 200 organizers, Vietnamese and international designers, and artists, the event’s highlight is the unique opportunity for locals and visitors to explore century-old architectural wonders like the Hang Dau Water Tower, Van Xuan Flower Garden, and Gia Lam Train Factory in Hanoi.

The event is scheduled for Nov. 17 to 26, at Gia Lam Train Factory, at 551 Nguyen Van Cu Street, Long Bien District, as well as other venues across Hanoi. The festival is free and open to people of all ages.

Week of Italian cuisine

The Embassy of Italy in Hanoi is presenting the 8th annual Week of Italian Cuisine featuring various events in Hanoi. The event is focused on highlighting the importance of the Mediterranean diet, which is a significant aspect of Italy's cultural identity.

Week of Italian Cuisine in Vietnam. Photo courtesy of Embassy of Italy in Hanoi

With the theme "Dining with Italian Cuisine: health with taste," the week includes a workshop on fermented foods, an artistic exhibition showcasing the evolution of Italian eating habits, an exhibition displaying authentic Italian culinary items, and a two-day wine festival featuring Italian wine distributors in Vietnam.

The event is scheduled from Nov. 13 to 19, at Casa Italia, 18 Le Phung Hieu Street, Hoan Kiem District.

Workshop: Museum and Chill

The event "Museum and Chill" is a workshop organized by Tipsy Art in collaboration with the Museum of Fine Arts in Hanoi. Participants are invited to enjoy painting, refreshments, and a visit to the museum.

The event creates opportunities for individuals to engage in the collaborative experience of painting alongside their loved ones. Photo courtesy of Tipsy Art

The workshop is scheduled for the afternoon of Sunday, Nov. 19, from 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., at Vietnam Fine Arts Museum at 66 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Ba Dinh District. Tickets start at VND440,000 ($18) per person. Each ticket includes access to both the workshop and the museum, offering a delightful Sunday experience of art and relaxation.

Tugging Rituals Games Festival

Hanoi is set to host the inaugural Tugging Rituals Games Festival, celebrating the UNESCO-listed Representative Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity from Cambodia, the Philippines, South Korea, and Vietnam. The event will showcase the rich traditions of eight communities from Vietnam and Korea at the ancient Tran Vu Temple.

Tugging games are popular festival activities enjoyed by people of various age groups. Photo courtesy of the Center for Research and Promotion of Cultural Value

The event will take place at Tran Vu Temple at Alley 126 Co Linh Street, Long Bien District. The program begins with the "One Rope, One Community" Exhibition on Nov. 17, followed by live presentations of tugging rituals and games on Nov. 18.

The Louis XIII Experience

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi will host a dining event, where a 5-course menu will be paired with the Louis XIII by Rémy Martin. Known for its smoothness, complexity, and elegance, Louis XIII is crafted from a blend of up to 1,200 eaux-de-vie brandies.

The cost is VND6,000,000 ($247) per guest, and the event has limited seating. The event is on Nov. 17, at 6:30 p.m. at Le Beaulieu, at Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, 15 Ngo Quyen Street, Hoan Kiem District.