Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and leaders of the Party, State and Hanoi attend the festival

The festival featured three themes: “Hanoi – A Victorious Return”, “Hanoi – The Flow of Heritage” and “Hanoi – A City of Peace and Creativity”. Elaborate staging near Hoan Kiem lake transformed the area into a historical and cultural landscape, recreating historic sites like Hanoi Gates, Doan Mon Gate of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, Long Bien Bridge, and Hanoi Flag Tower. This presentation immersed attendees in the proud history of Hanoi, reliving pivotal moments in the 70 years since the capital's liberation.

8,000 people participated in parades and performances highlighting the city’s rich cultural traditions, including several UNESCO-recognized intangible heritages.

One of the event’s most memorable highlights was alive reenactment of October 10, 1954, when the Vietnamese army triumphantly entered a capital city filled with flags, flowers, and the euphoria of victory. 1,000 soldiers and 200 artists and dancers brought this historic moment to life, stirring the audience with an emotional performance.

"The feeling is indescribable. It’s just as if I was back in 1954, standing on the street and waving at the soldiers as they liberated the city," said a resident.

"I’ve seen this moment in documentaries, but today, being here to wave flowers and welcome the troops makes it feel real and exhilarating, like living in history."

In addition to commemorating history, the event served to educate and instill a sense of patriotism in younger generations.

Many festival goers boast their excitement for the festival: "I feel proud and understand Hanoi’s history a little better. We’re grateful to our predecessors who fought for our independence, and I hope we can carry on their tradition and values."

"I love these events which recall the past. They make history more accessible and relatable to younger people,"

The "Culture Festival for Peace" is part of Hanoi’s campaign to promote its cultural and historical significance through annual celebrations.