Moscow (VNA) – The “Vietnam – Colours from the Tropics” Cultural Festival in Moscow, Russia, has wrapped up after drawing 968,000 local residents and visitors, surpassing expectations and surprising organisers with the vibrant interest it sparked in the Russian capital.

At the food court, staff worked non-stop as many specialty items had to be restocked multiple times from Vietnam, yet by the final day, some stalls had to take down their signs after selling out.

Traditional folk games consistently drew large crowds, with multiple rings of spectators and some even reserving spots for the next round. Meanwhile, live performances of traditional musical instruments were extended from 30 to 45 minutes to meet audiences' demand.

Vietnamese 'banh mi', already recognised globally as one of the world’s top 50 street foods without the need for promotion, set a record at the festival with 500 to 600 loaves sold daily at just one booth.

Meanwhile, many visitors expressed disappointment at missing out on Dak Lak’s salted coffee, a unique flavour unfamiliar to those used to hot black brews in colder climates, as the stall had sold out before the event ended.

Made-in-Vietnam distinctive lacquer jewelry pieces also proved popular, chosen by visitors for their refined craftsmanship and artistic designs.

Bulat Nurmukhanov, Deputy Chairman of the Moscow Tourism Committee, remarked that during the 10-day event, visitors could fully experience the essence of Vietnam without ever leaving the city.

He said that thanks to close coordination between the organisers and the Vietnamese Embassy in Russia, an authentic Vietnamese space was recreated in the heart of Moscow, offering visitors a chance to explore the culture, savor traditional dishes, browse handcrafted products, watch performances of water puppetry and traditional martial arts, and immerse themselves in Vietnamese folk music.

According to Aleksandra Nguen, Sales Director of the Vinpearl resort chain, her mobile office at the festival welcomed thousands of visitors each day seeking information about Vietnamese destinations, resort cities, and signature dishes.

Similarly, the pavilion of national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines attracted a large number of guests inquiring about direct flights between Moscow and Vietnam’s top tourist “gems.”

Vietnamese Ambassador Dang Minh Khoi commended the Moscow authority, as well as the Vietnamese community in the country, sponsors, and volunteers for their unity and contributions to the event’s success, saying that they joined hands to create a true celebrationꦰ driven by their love for the homeland./.