(VOVWORLD) - Welcome back to Culture Rendezvous on VOV24/7. Today, we’re joined once again by Jerome Crawford, who will tell us more about his country, Liberia, on the west coast of Africa. This time, it’s aboutits unique history, and climate. Don’t go away.

(VOVWORLD) - In Royal Mile Whiskies, a crowded whisky store tucked away in the heart of the Royal Mile in the Old Town of Edinburgh, Scotland, the air is thick with the sweet, peaty scent of oak and history. Standing behind the counter, manager Mark Davidson, a native Scot with a warm smile, talks to VOV about the history of Scotch whisky and his own 27 years in the business.

(VOVWORLD) -Liberia, a country on the west coast of Africa, has diverse ethnic groups, rich traditions, and great community life. In this Culture Rendezvous session, Liberia born Jerome Crawford, who is now living in Hanoi, provides a glimpse into the way people eat and prepare food as well as perception of appearance in his native country.

(VOVWORLD) - As winter settles in and the year draws to a close, people start thinking about family gatherings and the holidays ahead. But before that reflective mood arrives, there’s another kind of excitement sweeping across the United States - the frenzy of Black Friday. It’s the day when shoppers, braving the cold, line up outside stores or refresh their computer screens for that long-awaited deal - maybe a new phone, maybe a kitchen gadget - finally marked half off. Decades after it became a symbol of American consumer power, Black Friday remains a fascinating mix of chaos and celebration. Today on Cultural Rendezvous, we explore this special day, with insights from John Kent, an American living in Idaho.

(VOVWORLD) - The town of Inami in Nanto city, Toyama prefecture, is home to one of Japan’s most remarkable wood-carving traditions—a craft defined by its dynamism, precision, and an astonishing level of detail achieved using only chisels. Originating more than 250 years ago during the reconstruction of a temple, Inami carving has evolved through generations of artisans who continue to advance its expressive and technical boundaries. In this week’s Culture Rendezvous, we explore the craft of Inami wood carving and the people who keep it alive.

(VOVWORLD) - Uzeyir Hajibeyov (1885–1948) is a famous composer of Azerbaijani classical music. His immense contributions to Azerbaijan’s musical heritage are celebrated on Azerbaijan’s National Music Day, which coincides with his birthday, September 18.

(VOVWORLD) - A special concert called “From the Land of the Phoenix to the Country of the Dragon’s Descendants” by Sar Afshan, a traditional music band from Iran has been recently held in Hanoi, taking the audience on a cultural journey across centuries and from the deserts of Persia to the deltas of Vietnam. Performances took place at two colleges in Hanoi and at the first Cultures of the World Festival at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel.

(VOVWORLD) - Saudi Arabia is renowned for its vast oil reserves, sacred religious sites, and a unique heritage closely tied to nature and people. One of the most enduring traditions is Khoos—the intricate craft of weaving date-palm fronds into functional and artistic items. Khoos reflects the creativity and resilience of Saudi people and has long been an inseparable part of daily life and cultural identity, particularly in date-growing regions such as Al-Baha and Najran.

(VOVWORLD) - Welcome back to Culture Rendezvous! In our previous episode, we took our first steps into Ireland - the “Emerald Isle” - exploring its breathtaking landscapes, lively cities, and hidden gems. With Irish native Joe Connolly as our guide, we learned about must-see places like Dublin, the Cliffs of Moher, and the west coast’s rugged beauty, as well as some insider tips on how to experience Ireland like a local rather than a tourist. But of course, Ireland is more than just scenery and landmarks. Its true charm lies in the everyday life of its people—the language they speak, the humor they share, and the warmth they bring into every interaction. And that’s exactly what we’ll discover in this episode. To help us, we’re once again joined by Joe Connolly.

(VOVWORLD) - Russia’s renowned Eifman Ballet is set to captivate Vietnamese audiences this winter with its celebrated production of Anna Karenina. Known worldwide for its emotionally powerful performances and innovative interpretations of classic literature, the company’s upcoming tour marks a highlight of Vietnam’s 2025 cultural calendar.