CaliToday (24/9/2025): From the sizzle of spring rolls to the elegance of imperial-inspired ao dai, the first-ever Soul of Vietnam festival showcased a community's vibrant culture and profound sense of pride.
Ao dai by Vietnamese designer Tran Thien Khanh at the Soul of Vietnam Festival. Samantha Duerksen/Victoria News
The vibrant sights of regal silk gowns, the enticing aroma of sizzling street food, and the sounds of traditional music filled the air at Victoria’s Ship Point on Saturday, Sept. 20, as the city hosted the inaugural Soul of Vietnam festival. For Victorians and visitors, it was a colourful and immersive journey into the heart of Vietnamese culture.
But for the local Vietnamese community, the event represented something deeper.
"The Vietnamese community is scattered all over Greater Victoria, so we're trying to create a bridge," explained Chani Luong, a key member of the festival's public relations team.
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| Soul of Vietnam Festival 2025. Samantha Duerksen/Victoria News |
While official census data for the city isn't readily available, the Vietnamese Community in Victoria Facebook page boasts nearly 12,000 members, hinting at a significant presence. "But we don't share a mutual voice," Luong lamented. She explained that the festival's mission is to unify that voice and represent their culture with the same pride and presence as other community groups have successfully done. "That's our goal – to support each other."
A Feast for the Senses
The festival grounds were bustling, a vibrant tapestry of experiences. The air was thick with the irresistible aroma of Vietnamese cuisine: crispy, hot spring rolls being served fresh, richly spiced curried goat, and classic Vietnamese subs (bánh mì) and robust coffee.
Live music and choreographed dance performances brought energy to the stage, while an early celebration of the Mid-Autumn Festival added a touch of enchantment, with colourful lanterns and traditional moon cakes shared among attendees.
The Elegance of the Ao Dai Takes Center Stage
Arguably the day’s most spectacular highlight was the fashion show, which culminated in a grand finale by world-renowned Vietnamese designer, Tran Thien Khanh. His creations have graced major international stages, including Miss Grand International and Mr. World.
Khanh presented a stunning collection of regal and contemporary ao dai—the traditional Vietnamese cultural garb consisting of a long, elegant tunic worn over trousers. His designs draw deep inspiration from Vietnam's imperial history, utilizing luxurious silks and velvets brought to life with meticulous, shimmering hand embroidery.
But the ao dai wasn't just for the professionals on the runway. The festival also held an ao dai competition for visitors. "They came to the stage, showed their confidence and showed the beauty of the fit," Luong said with a smile. "It's all about pride of culture."
"It Feels Like Home"
For Victoria resident Von Wu, who left Vietnam as an infant, the day was profoundly special. He likened the atmosphere to walking the streets of his birth country.
"People just enjoying the street food, the music, kids ... it feels like home to me," he shared. "Something as simple as seeing the kids wearing the rice-picking hats (nón lá) just brings me back to being a kid and mowing my lawn with one of those on."
Wu was also glad the festival offered a fresh perspective on a culture he feels is often misunderstood. "People think Vietnam is super conservative because of the communists, but it's actually pretty relaxed."
By every measure, the event was a resounding success. Bright sunshine, an enthusiastic turnout, and the dedication of one hundred volunteers ensured a flawless day. Based on the radiant smiles and palpable sense of community, it seems all but certain that the Soul of Vietnam will return next year to once again showcase the vibrant flavours, fashion, and fun of Vietnam.
