Speaking at the opening ceremony, Director of Hai Phong City’s Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism Tran Thi Hoang Mai emphasized: Hai Phong is a coastal area rich in identity, in tangible and intangible cultural heritages. In recent years, along with investment in economic development and improving the material life of the people, the city has been paying attention to the cultural development and the spiritual life of the people with many specific and practical policies. The whole city currently has 12 intangible cultural heritages included in the list of national intangible cultural heritages.

“Each festival is a precious opportunity to honor, preserve, and promote traditional artistic values ​​- the priceless spiritual heritage that our ancestors have nurtured through many generations. In particular, puppetry is a unique form of theater, rich in folk expression, reflecting the Vietnamese soul through everyday stories, dreams, and aspirations that are very simple but profound. It is also a commitment to preserving and bringing traditional art not only to exist in the space of water pavilions, theaters, or small stages, but to step out into the streets, closer to the public, especially the young people.” Participating in this year's Festival are the Vietnam Puppetry Theater, Thang Long Puppetry Theater (Hanoi), Hai Phong Traditional Theater, and five traditional puppet troupes from localities across the country participating in performances to serve the people.

The Festival also features many attractive activities such as Street Parade, performances of ancient Cheo and Don ca tai tu excerpts, puppet shows, water puppet shows, etc., especially ancient water puppet shows, and the special art program performed by Hai Phong Traditional Theater.

Taking place from May 3 to May 9, 2025 at the City Theater Square and Song Cam Theater (274 Le Loi), the 3rd Hai Phong Puppetry Festival in 2025 is an opportunity to revive puppetry, contributing to promoting the image of a dynamic and unique Hai Phong to domestic and international friends./.