Thousands of visitors flock to Lim Festival in northern Vietnam

The event is held annually in Bac Ninh’s Tien Du District, about 30km from downtown Hanoi, as a cultural spotlight of the province and one of the largest spring festivals in northern Vietnam on the 13th day of the first Lunar month (February 3 this year).

Visitors flock to the Lim Festival in Tien Du District, Bac Ninh Province, Vietnam, February 3, 2023. Photo: Nguyen Bao / Tuoi Tre

It features various activities, including incense offering at Hong Tan Temple on Lim Hill, a procession from Dinh Ca communal house to Lo Bao communal house, and a firework display in the Van Tuong Lake area.

Visitors to the festival can enjoy the beautiful melodies of ‘quan ho,’ which was recognized in UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage of humanity list in 2009.

A ‘quan ho’ performance at the Lim Festival in Tien Du District, Bac Ninh Province, Vietnam, February 3, 2023. Photo: Nguyen Bao / Tuoi Tre

They can also play folk games and try delicious local dishes.

The festival aims to promote traditional cultural values in Tien Du District and Bac Ninh.

Luong Hong Hanh (R), who traveled 100km from Lang Son Province, poses for a photo with her husband at the Lim Festival in Tien Du District, Bac Ninh Province, Vietnam, February 3, 2023. Photo: Nguyen Bao / Tuoi Tre

This year marks the first return of the event after a three-year hiatus due to COVID-19.

“It’s a pity that it’s raining and cold here today,” said Tran Thi Huong, a member of a 70-people group who traveled 120km from northern Hoa Binh Province to Bac Ninh on Friday, the prime day of the fest.

Luong Hong Hanh, who traveled 100km from Lang Son Province, dons a traditional costume at the Lim Festival in Tien Du District, Bac Ninh Province, Vietnam, February 3, 2023. Photo: Nguyen Bao / Tuoi Tre

“However, it doesn’t affect our mood for beautiful ‘quan ho’ melodies.”

“This is the first time I’ve come to the Lim Festival,” said Luong Hong Hanh, who went to the festival with her husband from northern Lang Son Province, which is 100km away.

A ‘quan ho’ performance at the Lim Festival in Tien Du District, Bac Ninh Province, Vietnam, February 3, 2023. Photo: Nguyen Bao / Tuoi Tre

“Although it is raining, the place is still very crowded.

“The weather isn’t good but I’ll try to experience it all, especially the ‘quan ho’ performances.”

Visitors watch a ‘quan ho’ performance at the Lim Festival in Tien Du District, Bac Ninh Province, Vietnam, February 3, 2023. Photo: Nguyen Bao / Tuoi Tre

Visitors interact with ‘quan ho’ performers at the Lim Festival in Tien Du District, Bac Ninh Province, Vietnam, February 3, 2023. Photo: Nguyen Bao / Tuoi Tre

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The Lim Festival in the northern Vietnamese province of Bac Ninh, home to UNESCO-recognized ‘quan ho’ (love duet) singing, welcomed dozens of thousands of visitors during its two-day course on Thursday and Friday.