Held annually at Van (literature) Lake, part of the special national relic of the Temple of Literature - First National University (Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam), the festival is to honor the Vietnamese tradition of valuing writing, preserve and promote Vietnamese calligraphy. The event also offers an opportunity for the public to gain a deeper understanding about traditional calligraphy art.
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Delegates at the opening ceremony |
At this year’s event, a prominent feature of the festival is the display of 18 columns of calligraphy words written by ten calligraphers in various styles, highlighting the beauty and vitality of the New Year, symbolizing the arrival of spring and the traditional lunar New Year.
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Calligraphers performing their talent at the event |
In addition, 14 large calligraphy panels are hung above the space, featuring various calligraphy styles, with messages related to learning and exams at Van Mieu.
At the opening ceremony, delegates and visitors were able to enjoy a live calligraphy performance by calligraphers from Nhan My Hoc Duong. Furthermore, 47 calligraphy booths have been set up around Van Lake, offering the public beautifully written works filled with good wishes for the coming Spring.
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Delegates cut the ribbon to kick off the exhibition. |
In addition to the calligraphy displays, the Spring Calligraphy Festival 2025 features a variety of cultural activities for visitors, including a heritage experience space, a reading culture zone, and a showcase of traditional Hanoi crafts and products. There are also performances of traditional Vietnamese music, such as ca tru (ceremonial singing), love duet, cheo (popular theatre), chau van (spiritual singing) and xam (blind buskers' singing) and lion and dragon dances, creating a lively and festive atmosphere.
Moreover, several exhibitions are held at Van Lake, including a photo exhibition titled "Vietnam, My Homeland," showcasing 50 outstanding photographs from the Vietnam Heritage Photo Awards (2012-2018), and an exhibition titled "Drawing the Snake," featuring works by 75 young Vietnamese artists living and working in various countries around the world.
The festival lasts until February 9.
Translated by Tran Hoai