A cultural festival is taking place in Hanoi capital, offering local residents and visitors a chance to discover Vietnam’s folklore.

A Vietnamese folklore festival kicks off in front of the King Ly Thai To Monument next to Hoan Kiem Lake in the heart of Hanoi capital on Dec. 11.

In his opening speech, To Van Dong, director of the Hanoi Municipal Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, notes this is the second year the folklore festival has been held in Hanoi to mark the capital’s joining the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.

“The festival that features some genres of folklore demonstrates the community’s efforts in protecting and restoring the traditional cultural heritage,” says To Van Dong.

The event that aims to popularize Vietnamese culture and tourism services has attracted hordes of local people and visitors.

The cultural space has attracted the participation of traditional craft villages such as To he (toy figurine) making village of Xuan La, the bronze casting village of Ngu Xa, the silk weaving village of Van Phuc, the lackquerware making village of Chuyen My…..

Vietnam’s traditional conical hats have been arranged in an eye-catching setting next to Hoan Kiem Lake, attracting visitors.

This is also the chance for visitors to learn more about traditional craft villages that have existed for centuries.

The Ngu Xa bronze casting village is famous nationwide for intricately made products.

Many young people are curious about bamboo and rattan products tied to rural farmers’ life.

This is a cultural space where visitors can learn about the history of the traditional Vietnamese long dress (Ao Dai).

These products made from silk and fabric are handicrafted by artists with disabilities.

Joining the festival, Trach Xa villagers introduce their hand-made Ao Dai to visitors.