HÀ NỘI — Various cultural activities including fashion shows, music performances, handicraft displays and folk games will be organised in Hà Nội’s Old Quarter with the theme of "Hà Nội Autumn".

Traditional music will be performed at the murals area of Phùng Hưng Street on October 5-7.

A space for traditional handicrafts will be arranged at Kim Ngân Temple, 42-44 Hàng Bạc Street, on October 9-10.

Artisans of silver and bronze casting from Châu Khê Village in the northern province of Hải Dương, Định Công Ward in Hà Nội, Đại Bái Village in the northern province of Bắc Ninh and Đồng Xâm Village in the norhtern province of Thái Bình will perform their skills and create sophisticated products.

Hà Nội has always been a venue for talented craftsmen. They came to ply their crafts setting up 36 trade guilds centred on 36 different streets. Over centuries, the artisans who migrated from rural areas have brought to the city their traditional crafts with outstanding techniques. Through many ups and downs, many streets in the Old Quarter still retain their traditional trades.

Previously, Hàng Bạc Street drew outstanding jewelry artisans from Châu Khê, Định Công, Đại Bái and Đồng Xâm. They set up businesses in Hà Nội and together built Kim Ngân Temple.

“So it’s an ideal place to organise an event to honour silver and gold jewellery making,” said Trần Thúy Lan, vice chairwoman of the management board of Hà Nội’s Old Quarter.

“Kim Ngân Temple is one of the oldest still standing temples in Hà Nội’s Old Quarter with beautiful architecture. We expect that the temple will be a venue for artisans to exchange and preserve traditional handicrafts in the development of the capital city.”

Lan said the programme aims to celebrate Hà Nội Liberation Day (October 10), which ended the First Indochina War.

“Through the activities, we want to promote values of cultural heritage, raise people’s pride and awareness of protecting the heritage, promote local tourism and bring tourists a chance to experience cultural activities of Hà Nội,” she said.

On the occasion, a fashion show will be organised on Phùng Hưng Street, on October 13.

The A Designers Hà Nội group will present their latest autumn/winter collections. They will talk with visitors and discuss the lifestyle and fashion of Hanoians.

Designer Trịnh Bích Thủy will introduce a collection entitled "Autumn Streets" featuring green, yellow and red colours of trees changing leaves in autumn.

Designer Nguyễn Yến Phi will present a collection using black, white and grey and materials of silk, lace and velvet. — VNS