In the unique space steeped in history, culture, and architecture of the Imperial City, the International Art Festival Hue Week 2024 has officially ended but its echoes remain forever. Hue begins its season of vibrant festivities, welcoming visitors from all corners with a kaleidoscope of colors and lively sounds.
Visitors to Hue in early June not only immerse themselves in the festival atmosphere but also become part of the sound and light spectacles of remarkable artistic programs, from the opening ceremony to artistic performances within the Imperial City and along the central streets of the city. Hue truly shines at night.
Bustling Opening ceremony
From “Illuminating the Heritage Land”, setting the stage for the luminous, dazzling artistic program in the brilliant space of the most unique palace in Huế’s Imperial City, to the “Convergence of Music”, comprising a series of 5 impressive performances by domestic and international art troupes with sweet melodies, iconic dances, and dynamic, liberating movements. Also, “Radiant Millennia” captures images of Huế transforming into brilliance, enveloping all the enchanting landscapes as promised for a thousand years.
The dazzling opening night has created a harmonious flow under the theme “Radiant Millennia”, allowing Huế to embark on a new journey, ensuring that the heritage of the ancient capital through its festivals continues to integrate, spreading traditional values for today and future generations.
It can be said that the essence of Hue’s ancient capital has shone through the combination of Laser, Led Matrix, Hologram, 3D Mapping projections on the stage set at Kiến Trung Temple, bringing unforgettable emotions to the audience during the opening night.
“Light Festival” full of poetry
The Light Festival starts from 6 p.m. on the days of June 8-20 (except June 9 and June 12) at Thai Binh Lau and Thieu Phuong Garden, Imperial City of Hue. With an artistic light space inspired by Hue’s heritage materials and modern Western technology, visitors are transported into a magical and poetic journey.
This event is a collaboration between the French Embassy in Vietnam, the French Institute in Vietnam, and the Organizing Committee of the Festival Hue 2024. According to Sophie Maysonnave, Deputy Head of Cooperation and Cultural Affairs, Director of the French Institute in Vietnam, the Light Festival within the framework of the Festival Hue 2024 is the result of cooperation between French and Vietnamese teams. The project aims to illuminate Thai Binh Lau over two weeks with visual and sound artworks created for the Festival Hue 2024 event.
Through the combination of technology and creative techniques, an interactive journey with academic and aesthetic elements is emphasized, making Thai Binh Lau and Thieu Phuong Garden magical with the artworks arranged.
The Lantern Festival on the Perfume River adds more color to the Festival
The Lantern Festival, with the meanings “Buddhism accompanying the nation” and “national security and people’s peace,” is evidence of the deep connection between Buddhism and human life.
With 30,000 lanterns released onto the Perfume River, a shimmering, surreal picture of the night emerges. The Lantern Festival creates a spiritual flow, praying for good things to come to the homeland, the nation, and all humanity.
The festival is solemnly organized with main activities such as outstanding cultural programs, ancient rituals, traditional music performances, and solemn ceremonies including the three rounds of bell drum prayers
After the rituals, the lanterns are lit up in the night carrying the wishes of the people of Hue, tourists for the country’s peace, favorable weather, and happiness to all families.
The Lantern Festival is a meaningful activity that adds more color to the Huế Festival, revitalizes Hue’s cultural essence; as well as a friendly invitation filled with hospitality from the people of the Ancient Capital to visit this land rich in hospitality.
Bright lights from the Imperial City Night Market…
In response to the International Art Festival Hue Week 2024 and to promote activities at the Imperial City Night Market, the Organizing Committee of the Imperial City Night Market will hold two nights of cultural performances for audiences and visitors on the evenings of June 7 and June 8.
On June 7, under the theme of “Summer Melodies,” there will be 24 performances by music clubs and dance groups from high schools in Hue. This is a practical activity, providing a healthy and educational playground for city students during the summer vacation, while enlivening the atmosphere of the Night Market after a period of quiet due to the lack of visitors. On June 8, there will be performances by the “Timeless Melodies” club, where the smooth and sweet voices of the Ancient Capital will gather.
Many food stalls and souvenir shops introducing specialties and flavors of Hue will also be displayed here to enrich the night market space, attracting tourists and locals to visit, shop, promote cultural activities, and develop night time economy in the city.
… to the Hight School Hue (Quốc học Huế)
This is where many international artist groups perform (Spain, Canada, Belgium, Japan…). The artists have brought a night of impressive music to the audience. The stage lights in striking colors and the cheers of the audience have made the atmosphere in this area surprisingly vibrant.
The artistic performances of international artists have brought many emotions to the audience, including many Vietnamese and foreign tourists./.
Text: Q.Lien, Photo: Organizing Committee
