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| A visitor poses for a photo in a set from the subsidy period at the Truc Bach Night event. Photo: Jenna Duong |
Held in the charming Dao Ngoc-Ngu Xa pedestrian area, the event takes place on the picturesque Ngu Xa Peninsula, surrounded by the serene beauty of Truc Bach Lake. It offers an opportunity to explore Vietnam's past in a creative and emotional way, using nostalgic displays and artifacts that vividly portray life during the subsidy period.
Rediscovering the Past: A Personal Connection to History
For many young visitors, Truc Bach Night offers a chance to connect with a history they may not have experienced firsthand. Tran Hong Phuc, a visitor from Nam Dinh, expressed his excitement about the event: “The space and the objects displayed here give a very vivid feeling. It allows young people like us to picture the lives of our parents and grandparents before 1986, when the country embarked on an economic reform called Renewal,” he said.
Dao Nguyet Minh, a young visitor from Cau Giay District, reflected on the deeper significance of the event. “The space of the subsidy period is truthfully recreated and cleverly integrated with subtle reminders of the past hardships prior to the country’s renovation process,” she shared. “More attention should be paid to the spiritual values of the subsidy era. Despite the struggles, people still found romance and beauty in those tough times. That positivity is what we need today.”
Minh went on to explain that the event helped her understand her father’s nostalgic view of the past. "My father always says, 'In those days, the most precious friends were those who shared sweets with each other, and we are still friends today.' The most treasured thing about family ties and friendship in those days was the sincere attachment and sharing between people. It’s something that’s still cherished today," she added.
A Family Affair: Connecting Generations Through Memory
Many families visited Truc Bach Night, taking the opportunity to bond over shared memories of the past. Hanh Trinh, a resident of Tay Ho District, visited the event with her son, Quoc Huy. “Through the cultural activities here, young people have a chance to understand a hard time in the past and what their grandparents and parents went through to build a wealthier present like today,” Trinh remarked.
For young visitors, the event was a chance to hear stories of their parents’ and grandparents’ lives during the subsidy period. “We’re so busy chasing after distant, flashy things that we sometimes forget to appreciate what we have,” said Quoc Huy. “Now I understand why my father always talks about those days with such joy and appreciation, even when life was tough. It’s about the genuine connections people had with each other.”
Nostalgia and Discovery for Foreign Tourists
Truc Bach Night isn’t just a hit with locals—foreign tourists are also finding the event a fascinating and emotional experience. Sammy and Louise Smithe, a Canadian couple, joined the crowds at the event and were moved by the cultural richness on display. "This is a unique opportunity to experience a part of Vietnam’s history in a brand new way," said Sammy. "Your previous generation is a resilient class of people who adapted to their challenges and remained full of faith and love of life. They are the reason Vietnam is such a beautiful and welcoming country."
Louise added with a smile, "I never expected to hear Boney M playing here in 2024! It took me back to my youth, and I couldn’t resist getting lost in the melody. It’s moments like this that make travel so special."
Wesley Green, an American expat, shared his own excitement about the event. Having lived in Hanoi before and returned after the pandemic, he is impressed by how much the area has transformed. “It’s exciting to see how much more vibrant the area has become. I hope Hanoi will continue to develop such dynamic spaces and activities.”
A Bridge Between Past and Future
During the three-day event, both Hanoians and visitors were able to rediscover the cultural and emotional significance of the subsidy era, while also gaining new perspectives on how far the country has come since the Renovation reforms. Truc Bach Night serves as a poignant reminder of the past, offering a space where memories are celebrated and shared across generations.
As the event continues to captivate young and old alike, Truc Bach Night proves that even in today’s fast-paced world, there’s always room for a little nostalgia. By honouring Vietnam’s history and heritage, it provides both locals and visitors with an opportunity to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with the deep cultural roots of Hanoi and Vietnam as a whole.
Tags: Ha Noi, Truc Bach Night, Ngu Xa, Subsidy Era, Cultural Heritage, Family Bonding, Vietnam History
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