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Ho Guom Opera comes into view with the highlight of ancient European architecture exuding luxury and splendor from 52 monolithic stone columns imported directly from Spain. The ceiling lighting scheme of the theater’s main hall is inspired by the starry night sky with magnificent lights, making the theater shimmer at night. Every design detail of the roof system and interior of the theater recreates a part of the history of the Vietnamese people through traditional patterns representing Vietnamese culture, such as the sun, crane, Dong Son bronze drums, and ethnic musical instruments. An art performance marks Ho Guom Opera’s inauguration. Photo: The Hanoi Times Built on an area of 5,000m2, Ho Guom Opera is located at 40-40A Hang Bai Street. It is one of the landmarks in an area rich in cultural works, and historical sites of the capital, forming a cultural, artistic, and entertainment complex around Hoan Kiem Lake. It will contribute to promoting tourism culture and the ...

When the drums are beaten to open the festival, all the people gather around a big wood fire and drink alcohol from a large vase. Young men try to outdo each other by beating the drums as hard and fast as they can to break them. Other people join hands and dance around the fire. Under the full moon and by the flickering fire, the Ma Coong people take turns beating the drums, drinking alcohol, dancing, and chanting “My God, we’re so happy!” The sound of drums is a spiritual, magical sound, like the voice of the Ma Coong people in the depths of the forest, unaffected by wind, rain, and creatures. Village chief Dinh Xon said, “The festival prays for good fortune for all villagers. Everyone enjoys the festival. We must uphold our tradition and develop it for future generations.” Peter, a Danish expert on cultural heritage and sustainable development in Vietnam, said, “This is the first time I’ve attended the drum-breaking festival. It’s fantastic. The custom represents the relation...