HÀ NỘI — Hà Nội’s Old Quarter will host a celebration of the cultural charm of Huế Imperial City from today to December 2.

The celebration is part of the activities organised by the Management Board of Hà Nội’s Old Quarter to celebrate Việt Nam Cultural Heritage Day (November 23), according to Trần Thúy Lan, head of the organising board.

“Thăng Long (the former name of Hà Nội) and Phú Xuân (the former name of Huế) are two old capitals of the country with unique culture and arts recognised by UNESCO,” Lan said.

The programme Hương Sắc Cố Đô (Perfume and Beauty of Old Capitals) helps introduce the traditional culture preserved in Huế to the world.

The event aims to strengthen co-operation and exchange between Hà Nội and other Vietnamese cities on preserving national and UNESCO-recognised cultural heritages. 

In addition, it aims to protect the value of heritage and promote Hà Nội’s Old Quarter.

The event draws the participation of cultural researcher Đàm Quang Minh, musician Vũ Nhật Tân, painter Lý Trực Sơn and designer Trịnh Bích Thủy.

Accordingly, a show featuring áo dài (Vietnamese traditional long robes) will start the celebration at the Hà Nội Old Quarter Cultural Exchange Centre (50 Đào Duy Từ Street).

Designer Thủy will present the collection Thọ (Longevity) using the calligraphy of the old scripts imprinted and embroidered on the fabric.

“The calligraphy of the letter Thọ is one among the patterns that were embroidered on imperial long robes in the past,” she said. “Through the collection, I want to reflect the sophisticated technique and aesthetics of the Vietnamese people. I also want to bring longevity and good fortune for the wearers.”

Members of the A Designers House including Nguyễn Vân Anh, Đỗ Hương Ly and Nguyễn Hồng Ngọc, will present the collection Khúc Hoài Niệm (Nostalgia). The long robes are made of traditional silk using special techniques such as hand-embroidery, sequins and painting on the fabric.

The designs feature familiar images of Huế such as the Hương (Perfume) River, the Royal Citadel and royal symbols such as clouds, phoenixes and dragons.

A musical event will take place on the following day, featuring beautiful melodies of old tunes such as xẩm (the blind’s music), ca trù (ceremonial singing) and nhã nhạc (Huế royal court music), which was honoured with a place on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Northern music will be performed by Đông Kinh Cổ Nhạc group of People’s Artist Xuân Hoạch and People’s Artist Thanh Hoài. Huế music will be performed by Phú Xuân troupe including artist Thanh Tâm and instrumentalist Trần Thảo.

On the same day, a seminar on the worship of ancestors of the trades will be held at Kim Ngân Temple, 42-44 Hàng Bạc Street. An exhibition will display photos taken by Lê Bích depicting life and handicrafts in traditional trade villages and streets in the capital.

A collection of Huế traditional costumes of cultural researcher Thái Kim Lan and a collection of instruments of Huế royal court music will also be shown to the public.

The tea culture of the Vietnamese people will be on display on November 23-25 at the Hà Nội Old Quarter Cultural Exchange Centre. — VNS