Paper Mask Making Class - Hanoi Tour 2024

Paper Mask Making Class

Preserving an Ancient Dying Heritage
1 - 10 guests
⏳2 - 2.5h

 

Overview

In addition to molding and painting a mask, learn about the important Mid-Autumn Festival and the paper masks, a favorite toy among Vietnamese children. On the night of the festival, gleeful children parade around the neighborhood wearing colorful masks as they carry bobbing lanterns to illuminate the streets—a sort of equivalent of trick-or-treating at Halloween.

Using vibrant colors, paint a mask to take home with you and discover how wearing these pieces—entirely handmade and lingering with the faint smell of paper and glue—is a cherished tradition and now a dying art. Since the piece you created takes a few days to dry under the sun, paint a ready-made mask during this paper mask making class with the only couple continuing this centuries-old custom.

What To Expect

The traditional paper masks, as distinct and recognizable as the full moon during the Mid-Autumn festival, has for years been a favorite traditional toy among Vietnamese children. During the night of the festival, gleeful children parade around the neighborhood wearing colorful paper masks as they carry with them bobbing lanterns to illuminate the streets - a sort of trick or treat equivalent during Halloween. Families join in the celebration while the young ones bring life to the artfully crafted masks that are at once both colorful and representative of the festivities of the night.

The tradition of wearing paper masks is a cherished and endeared tradition among the locals. Entirely handmade and always lingering with the faint smell of paper and glue, the locals love the simplicity of this tradition which dates back many centuries. Alas, it is now a dying art where modern toys are replacing this age old tradition. In this exclusive visit, you will have access to a special gem in the backstreets of Hanoi's Old Quarters and make your own paper masks with the only remaining couple to still continue the tradition.

Inclusive of

• All tools, equipment and material required for the workshop
• One ready-made traditional mask per person
• English speaking facilitator
• Light refreshments

Not Inclusive of

• Pick-up and drop-off service within Hanoi (can be included at additional cost)
• Other personal expenses
• Meals
• Tips and gratuities (optional)

Additional Information

• Pick-up location: Exact pick-up location address along with map direction will be sent to your email instantly after booking
• Be at the pick-up location at the tour start time
• This is a kid-friendly activity
• Avoid wearing clothes that you wouldn't want the paint to accidentally drop on
• The paper masks that you create will take a day or two to dry under the sun depending on the weather. While you will learn how to make one, the masks that you will eventually paint on and take home with you will be a ready-made handmade mask that has already been dried.