HÀ NỘI The emotional moments when Hà Nội was liberated on October 10, 1954 will be revived through a programme entitled ‘Memory of Hà Nội – 65 Years’, which starts today in the capital’s Old Quarter.

Various cultural activities will be held to recall the memories of the important date in the history of the capital city. On October 10, 1954, Hà Nội was liberated from French colonial rule, beginning a new era for the country.

The programme commemorates the 65th anniversary of Liberation Day and 20 years since UNESCO recognised Hà Nội as the City for Peace.

The Hà Nội of 1954 will be reproduced along the murals of Phùng Hưng Street, according to Trần Thúy Lan, vice chairwoman of the Old Quarter Management Board.

“The event helps raise awareness of the nation’s glorious victory, introduce the capital’s history to tourists, and educate students and young people,” she said.

“Through exhibitions, art performances and presentations, we expect that the public will learn more about the resistance of Hanoians and the nation. People will understand the capital as a city of tradition, history, civilisation and pride.”

The Old Quarter Management Board co-operated with Xưa và Nay (Past and Present) Magazine and historian Dương Trung Quốc to decorate Phùng Hưng Street with flags, flowers and banners imitating the decorations on October 10, 1954.

Music and dances will take place on October 6.

As many as 200 members of the military band, artists from the Việt Nam National Academy of Music and actors and students from Hà Nội Academy of Theatre and Cinema will recreate the scene of the army heading to Hà Nội, with citizens waving flags and flowers to welcome soldiers back from battle.

The art performance directed by People’s Artist Nguyễn Hữu Phần will take place on October 10. Some historical witnesses including historian Quốc will take part and share their memories of Liberation Day.

A design by Nguyễn Phương Thảo. Photo courtesy of A Designer Hanoi group

Another highlight of the programme is a fashion show titled ‘Colours of Hà Nội Autumn’ on October 5. Nine Hà Nội-based designers will introduce their latest collections of áo dài (traditional long dress) and offer participants free consultations on hair and make-up.

The designers include Trịnh Bích Thủy, Nguyễn Phương Thảo and Đỗ Mai Hoa.

In the collection Lam (Blue), designer Thảo of the Thảo Oliver brand draws inspiration from blue patterns on ceramics of the 15th-16th centuries. The patterns of birds, flowers and landscapes are printed on white silk to preserve traditional values.

With the collection Perfect Beauty, designer Hoa introduces her designs in silk, brocade and lace while designer Thủy of Trịnh Fashion presents áo dài in velvet, an ideal option for autumn in Hà Nội.

An exhibition entitled Hà Nội in Autumn will run from today to October 15 at the Hà Nội Old Quarter Culture Exchange Centre, 50 Đào Duy Từ Street. It showcases 37 paintings by 14 contemporary artists from the Hà Nội Fine Arts Association such as Lê Trí Dũng, Quách Đông Phương and Nguyễn Xuân Khánh. In different styles and materials, they reflect still-life, landscapes and Vietnamese people as well as the lifestyle of Hanoians.

The exhibition also introduces many sketches about the war and revolution. They were created by artists during wartime.

A photo exhibition Hoài Niệm (Memories) featuring photographer Lê Bích will run until October 15 at Kim Ngân Temple, 42-44 Hàng Bạc Street.

Bích introduces 40 photos showing the beauty, identity and culture of Hà Nội.

“I was born and grew up in Hà Nội, so I experienced many difficulties during the post-war period, I also witnessed the changes during the đổi mới (renewal) era and integration process,” Bích said.

“I express love for Hà Nội through the language of photography. Through the photos, I want to spread the love for the city, inspire others to protect the city and respect what we have now.” VNS