The 6th edition of the “Toc Xanh Vat Ao” traditional costume festival took place over March 21–22, featuring a large-scale street parade and cultural showcase. As a key highlight of the Youth Fest 2026, the event aimed to promote appreciation of Vietnam’s cultural heritage among younger generations.
Many young participants arrived as early as 7 a.m. to join the event
On March 22, the cultural festival was held at the Student Cultural House, offering a wide range of activities, including exhibitions, cultural exchanges, hands-on experiences, and traditional art performances. The program was jointly organized by the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union (HCYU) of Ho Chi Minh City, the HCYU of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City (USSH-VNUHCM), Vietnamese traditional costume brands, and cultural practice organizations.
In her opening remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Thi Ngoc Diep, Secretary of the Party Committee of USSH-VNUHCM, stated: “Each garment you wear and each cultural story you share adds a unique color to the vibrant and humanistic cultural landscape.” She emphasized that, with creativity and enthusiasm, Generation Z is taking the lead in revitalizing heritage and breathing new life into traditional values.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Thi Ngoc Diep expressed her hope of inspiring a lasting love for cultural heritage among present and future generations
A highlight of the festival was the exhibition space showcasing Vietnamese traditional costumes across historical periods, including iconic styles such as Giao Linh, Ngu Than, and Nhat Binh. These interactive experiences allowed young people to engage with heritage in a vivid and accessible way. Sharing her experience, Khanh Bang, a first-year student at USSH-VNUHCM, said: “Listening to artisans explain tailoring techniques and traditional fabrics helped me truly understand and decode the deep historical meanings behind each design detail.”
Young participants enjoy trying on traditional Vietnamese costumes
The program brought together more than 30 partner and supporting organizations. Throughout the festival, booths showcasing traditional attire and a series of workshops - such as lantern-making with HS Am Che & Artiv Studio, pottery with Nang Ceramics, and woodblock printing with Vicizone - enabled students to explore traditional crafts firsthand. Participants not only gained closer access to traditional garments and materials but also directly experienced handicraft practices, deepening their understanding of Vietnamese cultural values.
Artisans introduce traditional tailoring techniques, fabric characteristics, and the cultural depth behind Vietnamese costumes
Ceramic painting activities help participants explore traditional Vietnamese patterns across historical periods
Earlier, on the evening of March 21, a large-scale traditional costume parade took place along central streets such as Vo Van Tan and Pasteur, from Turtle Lake to Phan Dinh Phung Indoor Stadium. According to the organizing committee, the core mission of “Toc Xanh Vat Ao” is not only to revive historical costumes but also to connect young people in exploring, experiencing, and preserving national cultural and historical values.
At Phan Dinh Phung Park, the cultural space came alive with staged performances recreating the essence of Vietnam’s historical dynasties. Meticulously reconstructed costumes vividly portrayed periods from the nation’s founding to its era of autonomy. Notably, a flashmob performance featuring 1,000 young participants created an emotional moment, affirming a strong sense of pride and continuity of heritage among today’s generation.
More than 1,000 young people joined the performance at the largest traditional costume and cultural festival in southern Vietnam
“Toc Xanh Vat Ao” goes beyond honoring traditional attire; it serves as a bridge connecting young people who share a passion for Vietnamese cultural values. Through creative activities, the festival brings heritage into everyday life, fostering a unique cultural dialogue within a modern urban setting.
Held annually on a large scale, the festival celebrates and promotes the beauty of Vietnamese heritage through the lens of youth. With a focus on traditional costume showcases and the recreation of cultural rituals, it creates a distinctive space where historical values intersect with contemporary creativity. This year’s edition also played a central role in the “Song Doi” Cultural Week series.
Highlights from the event:
Story & Photo by TUYẾT TRINH, THANH KHUÊ, ĐỨC ÂN, NHẬT HẠ
Translation by THÁI TƯỜNG
