Amid hundreds of commercial booths, the display draws large crowds, offering visitors a refreshing blend of artistry, nostalgia and national identity.

Visitors can learn about the centuries-old art of Vietnamese puppetry, take photos in a space rich with traditional aesthetics, and enjoy live performances. The witty character Teu (Uncle Teu) — a symbol of Vietnamese puppet art — along with buffaloes, fish, dragons, and phoenixes, dances upon the water’s surface, accompanied by children’s laughter and adults’ smiles, rekindling a “flame” of cultural pride at the fair.

According to People’s Artist Nguyen Tien Dung, Director of the theatre, inspired by the thuy dinh, the pavilion showcases the richness of Vietnamese puppetry — from classic water puppet acts to modern interpretations conveying contemporary messages.

Each puppet, Dung explained, carries a soul — the product of craftsmanship and the spirit of Vietnamese culture. “Puppetry is not merely a technical performance,” he said. “It is a unique storytelling form that speaks through water, sound and rhythm.”

A highlight of this year’s booth is its creative fusion of tradition and modernity. Crafted from bamboo, wood, lacquer, rattan and fabric, the puppets take on fresh, contemporary forms. Alongside beloved folk characters such as Teu, the farmer and the buffalo, visitors encounter puppets inspired by modern icons — from De Men Phieu Luu Ky (The Adventures of a Cricket) by renowned writer To Hoai to Snow White, the Seven Dwarfs and even colourful Halloween figures.

Beyond performances, the booth serves as a “mini classroom” of folk art. Artists guide children in operating miniature puppets and introduce the crafting process — from wood selection and carving to painting and control.

Pham Van Hung, a visitor from Long Bien District, said he was deeply moved by the display. “The water pavilion and Teu figures brought back childhood memories,” he recalled, noting that his parents once took him to village festivals to watch water puppetry shows.

Over the past week, the theatre’s booth drew steady crowds, with many praising both its design and live shows. The Vietnam National Puppetry Theatre signed two cooperation deals — a 20-billion-VND (760,000-USD) contract with The State Vietnam Co., Ltd., and a 1-billion-VND agreement with HTD Group JSC.

Dung said the partnerships will help the theatre promote traditional puppetry to wider audiences and tourism destinations, reflecting growing recognition from businesses of the cultural and artistic value of this national heritage./.