On November 17th, around 400 people dressed in traditional Vietnamese attire participated in a stunning parade through the streets of Hanoi, captivating both locals and international tourists. The event, part of the 4th "Bách Hoa Bộ Hành" festival, was held as part of the Hanoi Creative Design Festival and attracted significant attention from the public.
On November 17th, around 400 people dressed in traditional Vietnamese attire participated in a stunning parade through the streets of Hanoi, captivating both locals and international tourists. The event, part of the 4th "Bách Hoa Bộ Hành" festival, was held as part of the Hanoi Creative Design Festival and attracted significant attention from the public. This year’s procession featured a diverse collection of historical costumes from various periods, offering a rare and exciting glimpse into Vietnam's rich cultural heritage.
The parade began at the Vietnam National History Museum, passing through Trang Tien Street and along Hanoi’s famous walking street around Hoan Kiem Lake. Spectators, including both locals and tourists, lined the streets in droves to witness the impressive display of Vietnamese history and fashion. The parade included various groups, such as horse-mounted riders in military uniforms from the Le Dynasty, which excited many spectators, especially when they sawhorses parading through the streets.
One of the most striking groups in the procession was a set of participants dressed in royal costumes from the Nguyen Dynasty. In this group, two people in red attire represented the prince and princess, while others wore elaborate outfits representing high-ranking officials. Join Vietnam Travel Group enjoy the procession showcased the magnificence and intricacy of royal Vietnamese fashion.
A Celebration of Vietnam's Traditional Costume Revival
The organizers of the "Bách Hoa Bộ Hành" event aim to promote the study and revival of traditional Vietnamese costumes, especially among younger generations. Over the past decade, there has been growing interest in this cultural movement, with independent research and design projects being carried out by various groups.
The "Bách Hoa Bộ Hành" event has become a central gathering point for these efforts, bringing together designers, researchers, and enthusiasts from all across Vietnam to share their work and raise awareness about the beauty of Vietnam’s historical costumes.
One notable piece of the procession was a volunteer holding a replica of the Cửu Long hat, reconstructed from a 2010 project by the Vietnam History Museum. The project, which was based on the book "Ngàn Năm Áo Mũ" (A Thousand Years of Hats and Clothes), has directly inspired the resurgence of interest in traditional Vietnamese attire.
Among the many outfits displayed were the “Đối Khâm” coats, commonly worn as outer garments, with side slits that gave them a light and breezy look. There were also participants in "Vân Kiên" attire, a refined accessory worn around the neck, originally used by the nobility as a decorative piece to keep the collar area clean.
A Rare and Memorable Experience for Tourists
For many visitors, the sight of hundreds of people in traditional costumes parading through Hanoi’s streets was an unforgettable experience. Tourists from around the world were fascinated by the diversity and vibrancy of the costumes. Anna, a visitor from Poland, shared that although she was unfamiliar with the event, she was impressed by the beauty of the Vietnamese attire.
Arthur, a French tourist who had just arrived in Hanoi, was equally surprised by the spectacle. He noted that such parades are not common in France, and he was moved by the Vietnamese people's deep respect for their history and culture.
"I think other international tourists were also drawn to Vietnam's traditional costumes when they saw the parade," Arthur said, adding that he would love to try on a Vietnamese traditional outfit if given the chance.
The parade route led the participants to the popular "Hàm Cá Mập" area, where hundreds of people, both locals and tourists, followed along, taking pictures and enjoying the lively atmosphere. The procession not only highlighted Vietnamese traditional costumes but also featured Mongolian traditional clothing, celebrating the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Mongolia.
A Proud Display of Vietnamese Culture
For many of the participants and organizers, the event was a way to express their pride and love for Vietnam's traditional clothing. As the organizer, Mr. Vũ Đức, stated, the procession was akin to "a hundred flowers blooming, gracefully dancing through the festival," reflecting the joy and pride of the Vietnamese people in their cultural heritage.
The "Bách Hoa Bộ Hành" parade is more than just an exhibition of traditional costumes; it is a powerful celebration of Vietnam’s rich cultural history and a movement to ensure that these ancient fashions are not forgotten. For both locals and tourists, it is a rare and enchanting experience that offers a deeper connection to Vietnam’s past and its ongoing efforts to preserve and revitalize traditional customs.
Whether you are a history lover, a fashion enthusiast, or simply looking for an extraordinary cultural experience, the "Bách Hoa Bộ Hành" event offers something truly special. The event continues to inspire the younger generation to explore and cherish Vietnam's deep-rooted traditions, ensuring that the beauty of Vietnam’s historical attire will be preserved for future generations.
