The Bach Hoa Bo Hanh, or Parade of a Hundred Flowers, is an annual event held in the Hanoi's Old Quarters. Photo courtesy of Bach Hoa Bo Hanh
Vietnam Happy Fest 2025 will run from December 5 to 7 around the Hoan Kiem Lake pedestrian zone, which will become an open cultural space featuring multi-sensory exhibitions, community activities and art programmes.
The event is organised by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) with the Hanoi People’s Committee, Vietnam Television and the Vietnam Association of Photographic Artists.
The festival builds on Happy Vietnam, an annual human rights media award encouraging people in Vietnam, overseas Vietnamese and international creators to produce photos and videos about the country and its people.
Launched in June 2023, the award has attracted more than 35,000 entries, including moving images of Vietnam’s landscapes and communities.
Vietnam rose eight places to 46th in the 2025 world happiness rankings, climbing 19 positions in two years. Officials say the improvement reflects international recognition of Vietnam’s efforts to enhance human rights and quality of life.
The MCST launched Happy Vietnam 2025 in July to honour meaningful stories and images about the nation’s political, economic, cultural and social life. Works from around the world will showcase Vietnam’s achievements in human rights.
These values will be presented at Vietnam Happy Fest 2025 beside Hoan Kiem Lake, the symbolic heart of the capital.
The main display area, The Road of Happiness, will feature 14 experiential activities stretching from Le Thai To Street through Dinh Tien Hoang and Hang Khay to the Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square stage.
The Happy Vietnam exhibition will display works from a major photo and video contest hosted on the Vietnam image promotion platform Vietnam.vn. Participants worldwide are encouraged to use digital technology to create images of Vietnam and its people.
Designed as a journey of self-discovery, the exhibition invites the public to reflect on happiness through light, sound and emotion while portraying a modern, confident and culturally rich Vietnam.
At the Happiness Tree, visitors can hang wishes and messages of love. Each note is considered a seed of happiness symbolising peace, prosperity and community bonds.
On December 7, the Bach Hoa Bo Hanh, or Parade of a Hundred Flowers, will bring together about 800 participants in traditional costumes, aiming to set a record for the largest number of people wearing Vietnamese attire.
A workshop, The Lens of Happiness, will be held on December 6–7 at the Ho Guom Cultural Information Centre, offering hands-on photography and videography practice, expert talks and guidance on building a personal visual identity.
A mass wedding of 80 couples will take place on December 6 under the theme More Than Love. Inspired by the nation’s 80-year path of Independence – Freedom – Happiness, the ceremony will highlight 80 stories of Vietnamese couples as symbols of peace, faith and lasting affection.
The Happy Vietnam 2025 Award Ceremony on December 6 will feature art performances under the theme Lighting Up Vietnam Happiness and honour winning photo and video entries.
A music night, Happy Vietnam, will be held on December 7 at Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square with performances by young artists including Lam Bao Ngoc, Bui Cong Nam, Bridge Band and theatre representatives under the MCST.
Organisers say Vietnam Happy Fest 2025 aims to strengthen the image of Vietnam as a peaceful, compassionate and community-minded nation. The spirit of happiness is also expressed through solidarity with the central region, where national goodwill is directed.
The festival is expected to become an annual event, establishing a new cultural landmark and an appealing destination for international visitors.
