Under the direction of chief creative director Le Hai Yen, the stadium was transformed into a sprawling Thai ethnic village, bringing local cultural traditions to life through an immersive outdoor performance combining live staging with modern technology.
Deputy Prime Minister Pham Thi Thanh Tra attended the opening ceremony alongside other officials and delegates.
A highlight of the evening was a traditional Xoe dance performed by 2,026 members of the Thai ethnic community, who formed patterns reflecting the group’s distinctive cultural identity.
The atmosphere grew livelier as residents and visitors left the stands, joined the performers on the stage and linked hands to take part in the traditional circle dance.
The 2026 Muong Lo Cultural and Tourism Festival marks the fifth anniversary of UNESCO’s recognition of Thai Xoe dance as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Running from October 16 to 21, the festival features a range of activities, including the 2026 Northwest Tourism Fair, displays of local cuisine, a tourism photography exhibition and a cultural reading space at Gold Field Square.