The annual traditional Lim Festival which opens this week in northern Bac Ninh Province will receive a record number of Quan Ho singers gathering for its traditional Quan Ho performances.

More than 2,000 singers will be present at the festival, wearing distinctive traditional costumes and singing Quan Ho, a Vietnamese folk music style originated in what is now Bac Ninh Province during the 13th century.

Quan Ho was recognized as a Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 2009, and has traditionally been associated with the likes of spring festivals such as the Lim Festival that follow the celebration of Tet (the Vietnamese New Year) on the 12th and 13th day of the Lunar calendar.

As is traditional, the festival will be held in two parts: local religious ceremonies at the Count Nguyen Dinh Dien Temple, Hong An Pagoda and entertainment activities which include folk games, contests, poetry readings and Quan Ho performances.

The festival will be held on February 3 - 4 in Noi Due, Lien Bao and Lim town, Bac Ninh Province.

Source: tuoitrenews