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Le Mat, a village located about seven kilometers from downtown Hanoi, in the present-day Viet Hung Ward of Long Bien District, has gained a reputation for its unique snake farming tradition and mouthwatering snake cuisine. To commemorate this ancient trade, the village hosts an annual festival on the 23rd day of the third lunar month, attracting locals and visitors alike. The village of Le Mat comes alive during its annual festival, with the highlight being the famous Jiaolong or snake dance. This ancient ritual draws visitors from near and far, eager to witness this unique tradition. Photos: Huy Pham/The Hanoi Times The festival is a celebration of rich cultural heritage, featuring a range of rituals and folk activities. Among these, the Water Offering Ceremony and the Jiaolong or Snake Killing Dance stand out as particularly unique. The latter, one of the ten ancient dances of the imperial capital of Thang Long, showcases the village’s deep-rooted traditions. Accordi...

The Hanoi Museum is currently hosting an exhibition titled “Telling Dragon Stories in the Year of the Dragon”. This exhibition showcases over 100 documents, artifacts, and unique handicrafts from the museum’s collection. The exhibition is divided into three thematic areas: Dragon images on religious and belief architecture, Dragon images in daily life, and Dragon images applied in contemporary life. The exhibition offers a comprehensive overview of traditional dragon symbols as well as the modern application of dragon symbols in design. Photo: Ngo Minh/The Hanoi Times The Hanoi Museum has utilized modern projection technology to bring the dragon symbol to life, showcasing its significance throughout Vietnam’s dynasties. This visual effect adds an extra layer of attraction for viewers. One of the participating artists, Nam Chi, drew inspiration from the folk paintings of Kim Hoang and Hang Trong for his works displayed in the exhibition. “I incorporated elements of vil...

Nguyen Van Trung, director of the provincial Department of Culture and Sports, shared that the program aims to introduce Indian folk dances to a wider Vietnamese audience and strengthen the bond between the two sides. Tushar Garg from the Consulate General of India in Ho Chi Minh City emphasized the importance of cultural exchanges in enhancing the relationship between the two countries. The program is seen as a positive step towards cooperation with Ben Tre province, and there are plans for more exchange activities in the future to further strengthen the ties between Vietnam and India. Participants had the opportunity to enjoy popular Indian folk dances such as Jhmar, Jhang, Mirze-Sahiban, and Bhangra dances. Additionally, there were performances of typical dances and musical instrument ensembles from Ben Tre province, including flute performances and “don ca tai tu” (southern amateur music). Punjabi dances, which represent the folk and religious dances of the indigenous people of the...