(VOVWORLD) - The first Autumn Fair 2025, which ended in Hanoi this week, showcased a tapestry of cultural traditions from every region of Vietnam. Visitors were immersed in melodious songs, the rhythmic clatter of weaving looms, the bright colors and intricate patterns of brocade, and the rich aroma of Central Highlands coffee. Playful toy figurines called To he added a nostalgic touch, bringing back the simple joys of childhood.
 The first Autumn Fair 2025 is likened to a “miniature painting of Vietnam.” (Photo: Vien Minh/VTC News) |
The booth representing Dien Bien province attracted large crowd. Skilled women weavers, including Ms. Lo Thi Van, demonstrated their craft and explained their traditional techniques. “We brought the loom here so visitors could see our weaving methods. Our products include bags, shirts, skirts, and scarves,” Van said.
Visitors also heard Xoe dance melodies and enjoyed cups of delicious Dien Bien coffee.
“The northwest has many specialties but, for this fair, we brought Arabica coffee grown and processed in Muong Ang. This coffee is grown by ethnic minorities at an altitude of 700-1,700 meters above sea level. It has a light, pleasant acidity at first sip, with a sweet, lasting aftertaste,” Ms. Tran Thi Yen Hoa of the Hai An company said.
 The booth displaying To he figurines attracts many young visitors. (Photo: Vien Minh/VTC News) |
A big hit at the fair were To he figurines made of colored rice dough, tiny toys that have delighted generations of Vietnamese children. In the “Essence of Hanoi” booth, colorful To he figures came to life in the hands of skilled artisans.
“Every creation is unique. Even when crafting the same figure, such as a dragon, each artisan gives it a distinct form, breathing their own soul and individuality into the work,” Mr. Dang Dinh Thuong, Deputy Head of the Xuan La To he Club in Hanoi, said.
At the heart of the fair, the exhibition space of Tuyen Quang province stood out with scenes of lush green mountains, winding roads on the Dong Van Plateau, and the colorful costumes of the Pa Then, Red Dao, Tay, and Nung ethnic groups. In addition to local specialties like Shan Tuyet tea, Thanh Van corn liquor, Nghia Thuan persimmons, and corn noodles, Tuyen Quang offered visitors flute and drum performances and folk songs of the local ethnic groups.
“At this fair, we introduced many cultural products for visitors to explore and experience. When Tuyen Quang and Ha Giang provinces merged, the tourism space expanded, helping us to spread our cultural values,” Mr. Dang Quoc Su, Director of the Tuyen Quang Tourism Promotion Center, said.
 Many artisans not only serve food but also demonstrate how dishes are prepared on site. (Photo: Vien Minh/VTC News) |
With hundreds of booths showcasing brocade, Bat Trang ceramics, fine woodcrafts, and regional specialties like Thai Nguyen tea, Ha Giang honey, and Phu Quoc fish sauce, the Autumn Fair 2025 presented a vivid mosaic of Vietnamese culture.
“Today, young people have many forms of entertainment and seldom have the opportunity to experience cultural heritage firsthand. Coming here allows us to enjoy traditional cultural performances up close,” said visitor Le Thi Mai Hoa of Hanoi.