Vietnamese culture festival kicks off in Moscow

The Russian capital is hosting a ten-day celebration marking 75 years of diplomatic ties

A festival marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Russia and Vietnam has kicked off in Moscow, offering a colorful showcase of Southeast Asian culture.

The event opened on Friday and will run through August 3. It is part of the city’s ‘Summer in Moscow’ program and features more than 100 activities. Organizers say the festival aims to strengthen cultural ties through music, dance, cuisine, and traditional crafts.

“The festival is timed to coincide with the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our countries,” said Natalia Sergunina, deputy mayor of Moscow.

One of the main highlights is the famous Vietnamese water puppet theater – a performance tradition that dates back to the 11th century. Guests can also watch demonstrations of national martial arts, take part in bamboo pole dancing, and hear traditional instruments said to mimic the sounds of nature.

Workshops will teach visitors how to make toys from rice dough and prepare signature dishes such as Pho Bo soup and fresh spring rolls. Culinary pavilions are serving Vietnamese coffee, green rice desserts, and other regional delicacies.

The open-air celebration includes a market with decorative goods from Vietnam, including hand-painted Non hats and Dong Ho prints. Art installations and photo zones round out the attractions, set up in a central square near the Kremlin.

Vietnam is considered a strategic partner of Moscow in the tourism sector. According to official figures, more than 36,000 Vietnamese visitors came to the Russian capital last year, with one in four trips made for business purposes. Authorities say cross-border tourist flows are expected to grow further through joint projects and cultural exchanges.

The festival continues a series of multicultural events organized in Moscow this summer. Russia and Vietnam established diplomatic relations in 1950, and officials say this year’s anniversary marks an opportunity to deepen people-to-people ties.