Promoting national unity through cultural foundations

Throughout Vietnam's history, culture has always served as a bond connecting generations, regions and communities. Customs and traditions, festivals, folk songs and traditional arts not only preserve historical memories but also contribute to shaping the identity and richness of Vietnamese culture.

Preserving and promoting these values helps people gain a deeper understanding of their roots, appreciate cultural diversity and strengthen their sense of responsibility toward the community. At the same time, community solidarity provides a foundation for cultural values to be passed down, reinterpreted and further developed.

In Hai Phong, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism is organizing a series of activities to mark Vietnam Culture Day on November 24, in conjunction with the Great National Unity Festival on November 18, 2026. The program features a variety of artistic performances, cultural experiences, film events and mass sports activities.

Highlights include the artistic program "Colors of Vietnamese Culture" and the interactive space "One Space - Multiple Experiences" at the courtyard of the City Fine Arts Exhibition Hall on November 21 and 22. The film forum "Hai Phong - Gateway to Cinema," taking place from November 21 to 23, aims to promote links between cinema and tourism development, economic growth and investment promotion.

Artistic performances at the Xu Dong Cultural Center Square, together with mass sports activities, will help expand exchange space and enable residents to experience a wider range of cultural activities.

The city aims for each commune, ward and special zone to organize or incorporate at least one cultural, artistic, experiential, heritage education or community cultural exchange activity, along with at least one physical education or sports activity.

To ensure that residents genuinely benefit from these programs, activities should be based on the community's actual needs, be practical and accessible, and suit the conditions of each locality. Organizers should avoid formalistic approaches and an excessive focus on the number or scale of events, instead prioritizing content quality, public participation and lasting impact.

Alongside improving people's cultural and spiritual lives, promoting cultural values can also generate momentum for the development of tourism, services and cultural industries. When communities directly participate in preserving, introducing and promoting cultural values, residents not only enjoy spiritual benefits but may also gain access to employment, livelihood and economic development opportunities.

The 2026 Week of National Unity and Culture should therefore be viewed as a step toward promoting cultural development from the grassroots level, with public participation and enjoyment serving as the most important measures of success.

TAM PHUC