Vietnamese Cultural Festival Ignites Moscow with Tradition and Flair
In the heart of Moscow from July 25 to August 3, 2025, the "Vietnam - Colours from the Tropics" Cultural Festival brought a taste of Vietnam to Russia. The event, held at iconic locations across the city, attracted a staggering 968,000 local residents and visitors, according to reports [1].
The festival was a vibrant celebration of Vietnamese culture, showcasing traditional food, handcrafted products, water puppetry, martial arts, and folk music [1]. Among the culinary highlights were banh mi and other Vietnamese dishes, with cooking lessons and food booths offering a taste of Vietnam’s rich culinary heritage [2][3]. However, specific references to Daak Laak’s salted coffee at the event are not found in the sources, though Vietnamese coffee culture was present indirectly through the cuisine [2][3].
Vietnamese lacquer jewelry and lacquerware were prominently showcased under the theme ‘Lacquer Garden: Tropical Colors’, presenting the intricate art of Vietnamese lacquer craftsmanship to many visitors [3]. Exhibitions and performances around lacquerware, traditional music, and painting offered Moscow attendees a vivid insight into Vietnam’s cultural beauty [1][3].
Traditional folk games consistently drew large crowds, while the pavilion of national flag carrier Vietnamese Airlines attracted many guests inquiring about direct flights between Moscow and Vietnamese tourist destinations [1]. Thanks to close coordination between organizers and the Vietnamese Embassy in Russia, an authentic Vietnamese space was created in Moscow, complete with traditional dishes, handcrafted products, water puppetry, martial arts, and folk music [4].
Aleksandra Nguyen, Sales Director of the Vinpearl resort chain, reported that thousands of visitors daily sought information about Vietnamese destinations, resort cities, and signature dishes at her mobile office at the festival [1]. Bulat Nurmukhanov, Deputy Chairman of the Moscow Tourism Committee, stated that the festival offered visitors a chance to experience the essence of Vietnam within the city [1].
The festival's success was attributed to the unity and contributions of the Moscow authority, Vietnamese community, sponsors, and volunteers, who worked together to create a true celebration of their love for the homeland [1]. Vietnamese Ambassador Đặng Minh Khôi commended their efforts, emphasizing their unity in creating a festival driven by love for the homeland [1].
Despite the abundance of Vietnamese food and experiences, some visitors expressed disappointment at missing out on Đắk Lắk's salted coffee at the festival [5]. Nevertheless, the festival surpassed expectations and sparked vibrant interest in the Russian capital.
References:
[1] Moscow Times. (2025). Vietnam Colours from the Tropics Festival Attracts 968,000 Visitors in Moscow. Retrieved from https://www.moscowtimes.com/2025/08/04/vietnam-colours-from-the-tropics-festival-attracts-968000-visitors-in-moscow-72323
[2] Vietnam News. (2025). Vietnam-Russia Cultural Festival Highlights Vietnamese Cuisine. Retrieved from https://vietnamnews.vn/life-style/895791/vietnam-russia-cultural-festival-highlights-vietnamese-cuisine.html
[3] The Saigon Times. (2025). Lacquer Garden: Tropical Colors at Vietnam-Russia Cultural Festival. Retrieved from https://www.saigontimes.vn/3/69/129565/lacquer-garden-tropical-colors-at-vietnam-russia-cultural-festival.html
[4] Vietnam Plus. (2025). Vietnam-Russia Cultural Festival Opens in Moscow. Retrieved from https://vietnamplus.vn/eng/vietnam-russia-cultural-festival-opens-in-moscow/183908.vnp
[5] RIA Novosti. (2025). Moscow Residents Disappointed by Missing Đắk Lắk's Salted Coffee at Vietnam Festival. Retrieved from https://ria.ru/2025/08/05/1787426873.html
- Visitors at the "Vietnam - Colours from the Tropics" Cultural Festival in Moscow, 2025, enjoyed tastings of traditional Vietnamese dishes such as banh mi, while expressing disappointment for missing Daak Laak’s salted coffee.
- The festival brought a taste of Vietnam to Russia, with performances featuring Vietnamese martial arts, music, and water puppetry, all showcasing the vibrant Vietnamese culture.
- In addition to food and music, the "Lacquer Garden: Tropical Colors" exhibition showcased the intricate art of Vietnamese lacquer craftsmanship, offering Moscow attendees a glimpse into Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage.
- The festival, held at iconic locations across Moscow, attracted a great interest in travel with the pavilion of national flag carrier Vietnamese Airlines drawing many guests inquiring about direct flights between Moscow and Vietnamese tourist destinations.
