Colorful performances and shared cultural traditions brought diplomats, artists and audiences together in Hanoi, stressing the role of the arts in promoting dialogue and people-to-people ties at the start of the new year.
THE HANOI TIMES — An international art program titled “Welcome the New Year 2026” took place in Hanoi on January 12, leaving both domestic and foreign audiences a strong impression with its lively atmosphere and diverse artistic expressions.
The international art programme titled “Welcome the New Year 2026” took place in Hanoi yesterday. Photos: Hanoi Union of Friendship Organizations
Hosted by the Hanoi Union of Friendship Organizations (HUFO), the event featured a wide range of well-crafted performances by Vietnamese and international artists, offering audiences a dynamic blend of traditional art forms and cross-cultural exchange.
A highlight of the evening was the participation of foreign amateur performers from various embassies. Appearing in costumes and makeup inspired by their national traditions, they brought distinctive cultural colors to the stage and drew warm applause from the audience.
According to HUFO President Nguyen Ngoc Ky, the program served as a New Year gift for Vietnamese participants and international friends.
He said the event helped strengthen solidarity and friendship between the Vietnamese people and people around the world, as well as deepen connections between Hanoi and other capitals and cities globally.
Ky noted that 2025 marked a year of major national milestones, during which people-to-people diplomacy and friendship activities opened new opportunities for cooperation in economic, cultural and social fields.
These efforts have attracted strong domestic and international attention and contributed to enhancing the profile of Hanoi and Vietnam, he said.
Sharing the same view, Saadi Salama, Ambassador of the State of Palestine and Head of the Diplomatic Corps in Vietnam, praised the cultural exchange activities organized by HUFO, including hands-on experiences, heritage visits and introductions to Vietnamese customs.
Through these activities, he said, diplomats and international friends have gained a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s culture, country and people, helping project an image of Vietnam that is open, friendly and increasingly well regarded by the international community.
The ambassador also affirmed that he and the diplomatic corps would continue to actively accompany and take part in Hanoi’s people-to-people diplomacy activities, contributing to dialogue, trust-building and mutual understanding among countries, cultures and peoples.
Several aspects of the show stood out as below:
