The 2025 Architecture - Civil Engineering Traditional Festival: “Dap Dong Dang” - The Symphony Between Blazing Rock and Sacred Soul of National Heritage

On the evening of January 11, 2026, the 16th Architecture - Civil Engineering Traditional Festival officially unfolded, leaving a deep and lasting impression on both Van Lang University students and alumni of the Faculty of Architecture and the Faculty of Civil Engineering. The event was not just a grand music showcase, it reaffirmed the enduring bond - “two faculties, one spirit” - that has long defined their relationship, a space where cherished tradition meets the collective ambition of a generation looking forward.

“Strike One Beat - Share One Will - Light One Heart”

Drawing inspiration from the phach - a traditional percussion instrument used to keep rhythm in Vietnamese folk music - this year’s theme, “Dap Dong Dang,” carries a message rooted in unity and solidarity. When two phach sticks strike against each other, they produce a sound which is lively and resonant; and so it is with Architecture and Civil Engineering: two distinguishable identities that, when brought into the harmony, come together to build something remarkable and indestructible than either can alone.

The standout highlight of this year’s festival was the fusion of folk elements and the bold Rock spirit - a signature trait of Architecture - Civil Engineering students. Audiences were captivated by daring mashups, where traditional melodies like Co Doi Thuong Ngan and Ly Keo Chai were reimagined entirely, draped in a new character through the charged, electrifying voice of the electric guitar.

Honoring and Carrying Forward the Flame of Passion

The event also served as a heartfelt occasion for generations of Architecture - Civil Engineering families to express gratitude to “unsung mentors”. In an emotional onstage sharing, Ms. PhD Candidate Chau Mi Anh - Deputy Head in the department of Architectural Design - recalled her own experiences at these traditional festivals as a student.

She expressed her joy at witnessing today’s generations returning together, at seeing two faculties become one, and extended her warmest wishes for a successful evening at the festival - hoping that everyone would welcome a happy and healthy new year, enjoy the night to the fullest, yet carry that spirit of dedication back during school time and attend classes on time with full enthusiasm for learning.

From Northern “Village Festival” to Blazing Rock Energy

Following with the banner-rising opening ceremony, the main program took audiences on an emotional journey through three tightly structured acts.

Act 1: Igniting the Flame opened with a miniature “village temple square” atmosphere. Echoing festival drums linked the 12 months of the year, while the interactive game Chi chi chanh chanh bridged generational gaps. Performances including the Lien khuc 3 mien, Em oi, Gian ma thuong set the tone, but it was the theatrical piece Mot ngay nao do that truly resonated - vividly recreating the professional friction and the occasional falling-out between Architects and Civil Engineers, only for those same tensions to give way to deeper understanding and stronger bonds.

Act 2 and 3 marked a powerful shift to Rock, which was the “house specialty” embedded deeply in the Architecture - Civil Engineering spirit. A fresh, haunting yet gritty arrangement of Con Co kicked off an explosive night. The Guitar Club and bands turned the stage into a true “cauldron of fire,” where lecturers, alumni, and students linked arms and rocked with abandon.

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Highlights from the 2025 Architecture - Civil Engineering Festival Night

At the event, Le Ngo Thanh Quyen (Class 29, Architecture major), who is also an Organizing Committee member, could not hide her emotion as months of tireless preparation paid off handsomely. Amid the gathering of Architecture - Civil Engineering generations, Thanh Quyen conveyed her pride in being a part of this extended family.

The 2025 Architecture - Civil Engineering Festival has concluded, but the echoes of clappers and drums, along with the “Dap Dong Dang” spirit, will undoubtedly endure and serve as a precious inspiration for Van Lang University students to embark on a new year with boldness and creativity.

News: Trung Truc
Photos: Tram Le, Thanh Danh