"Sóng Đôi" Cultural Week and "Tóc Xanh Vạt Áo" Việt Phục Festival 2025


On Mar 23, the opening ceremony of "Sóng Đôi" Cultural Week and "Tóc Xanh Vạt Áo" Việt Phục Festival 2025, held by USSH, VNU-HCM Youth Union and Student Association, attracted many young participants and over 25 cultural organizations.
The event welcomes several influential figures in the field of culture - Photo by: YÊN NHIÊN
In her opening remarks, Prof. Dr. Ngô Thị Phương Lan, President of USSH, VNU-HCM, emphasized the role of traditional attire in shaping one’s national identity in this globalized world. More specifically, “Sóng Đôi” and “Tóc Xanh Vạt Áo” serve to honor Vietnamese traditional attire (Việt phục) while highlighting USSH, VNU-HCM’s pioneering role in safeguarding Vietnam’s cultural heritage.

Prof. Dr. Ngô Thị Phương Lan on preserving the nation's cultural identity – Photo: MINH KHÔI
Dr. Phan Thanh Hải, Member of the National Cultural Heritage Council, Vice President of the Vietnam Archaeological Association, and Director of the Department of Culture and Sports of Hue City, expressed his appreciation for USSH, VNU-HCM’s dedication to reviving traditional cultural values. “USSH, VNU-HCM has always been a pioneer in cultural heritage restoration and has had a strong influence on younger generations, with events like “Tóc Xanh Vạt Áo” serving as meaningful and sustainable educational movements,” he noted.
Dr. Phan Thanh Hải expresses deep emotions at efforts to preserve Việt phục - Photo by: HUY MAI
A special highlight of the event was the presentation of a replica of an imperial decree honoring the renowned general Bùi Tá Hán issued by Emperor Thiệu Trị. This was offered to the Department of Hán Nôm Studies (Faculty of Literature) by Ms. Nôm Phương Dã Thảo, the 16th-generation descendant of General Bùi Tá Hán. In recognition of her invaluable contribution, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Mạnh Hùng, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Literature, presented her with a commemorative gift as a token of gratitude.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Mạnh Hùng receives a replica of the imperial decree issued by Emperor Thiệu Trị honoring General Bùi Tá Hán from Ms. Nôm Phương Dã Thảo – Photo by: YÊN NHIÊN
Mr. Tôn Thất Minh Khôi, an alumnus of the Faculty of International Relations, co-founder of “Tóc Xanh Vạt Áo” Việt Phục Festival, shared the story behind the event: “Originally, we just wanted to bring Việt phục, especially ‘áo dài’, back into student life. However, this has grown rapidly from a small gathering into a large-scale event. This reflects how dynamic Ho Chi Minh City is in terms of adopting and spreading meaningful cultural events.”

Mr. Tôn Thất Minh Khôi shares the five-year journey of “Tóc Xanh Vạt Áo” – Photo: HUY MAI
Additionally, the outstanding “Sóng Đôi” Cultural Week initiative has earned USSH Youth Union “Hồ Hảo Hớn Award 2025” from HCMC Youth Union. USSH Party Committee also awarded certificates of merit to USSH Youth Union and individuals who made positive contributions to the event.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lê Thị Ngọc Điệp, representing the USSH Party Committee, presents the certificate of commendation – Photo by: YÊN NHIÊN
This year’s program has a diverse lineup of cultural activities, including: traditional musical performances, cải lương Hồ Quảng, Chăm and Khmer traditional costume showcases, a theatrical performance of “Farewell to Cửu Trùng Đài”, calligraphy demonstrations, and panel discussions on culture and the arts. These activities not only help revive traditional values but also provide young people with opportunities to understand, appreciate, and take pride in their national heritage.
“Sóng Đôi” Cultural Week and the 5th season of “Tóc Xanh Vạt Áo” are among the key cultural initiatives of the 2024–2025 academic year at USSH, VNU-HCM. “Sóng Đôi” Cultural Week runs from March 6 to March 29, featuring various activities like “Nét Việt” Photography Contest, “Young Culture & Integration” Exhibition, “Tóc Xanh Vạt Áo” Việt Phục Festival, “Nhân Văn Vietnamese Film Week”, and “Timeless Melodies”.
Some of the event’s highlights:








Source: NGUYÊN KHANG - MINH KHÔI - HUY MAI - YÊN NHIÊN
Translated by: Như Quỳnh Lý





