Remembering Uncle Ho on the Lantern Festival

On the night of March 3rd (the full moon of the first lunar month of the Year of the Horse), the Union of Literature and Arts Associations of Ca Mau province solemnly organized the 24th Vietnam Poetry Day art program - 2026 with the theme "Remembering Uncle Ho on the Lantern Festival". When the final performance of the program concluded, Meritorious Artist Do Ngoc An still felt a sense of elation. This emotional flow continued in every smile, glance, and handshake he exchanged with his "kindred spirits" around him.

• Springtime brings warmth to the hearts of artists.
• Altar of the Fatherland - Love and reverence for Uncle Ho in the spring
• Highlights of the art program celebrating Vietnamese Poetry Day

The art program, held at Hung Vuong Park stage (Tan Thanh ward, Ca Mau province), attracted a large number of artists , poets, authors, and poetry lovers.

The art program attracted a large number of artists, poets, authors, and poetry lovers.

"Remembering Uncle Ho on the Lantern Festival" was elaborately staged, featuring a rich variety of genres: singing, dancing, theatrical performances, traditional Vietnamese folk songs, poetry recitation, and spoken poetry from Bac Lieu... bringing together many renowned artists and talents from the province such as: Meritorious Artist Cong Trang, Meritorious Artist Giang Tuan, Meritorious Artist Truong Giang, Artist Viet Tien, Artist Thanh Xuan, Artist My Phuong, Amateur Artist Quoc Sy, Amateur Artist Thanh Truc... The performances were connected according to a narrative thread, both portraying the cultural depth of the southernmost land of the Fatherland and honoring the unique characteristics of poetic art, successively immersing the audience in a warm and profound artistic space.

The poem "The Last Leaf of the Season" (by Nguyen Thai Thuan) is recited in the sweet and soulful voice of artist Thanh Xuan. (Photo: Quoc Binh)

One of the highlights of the poetry night was the theatrical performance of "Nam Quoc Son Ha" (poem by Ly Thuong Kiet, lyrics by Meritorious Artist Do Ngoc An, choreography by Mai Minh Hieu). In it, the poem "Than" (meaning "divine") was skillfully interwoven with traditional folk songs and classical music, arranged in a harmonious way; with the captivating voices and performances of Meritorious Artist Cong Trang, Meritorious Artist Giang Tuan, Artist Hong Them, and the Dong Dao dance group, creating a sacred connection between reality and the indomitable and heroic history of Vietnam.

Notably, this year's program also features the participation of artist Ánh Vân with a performance of the Bạc Liêu spoken poetry "Ten Loves" (poem by Phi Bằng). After many years away from the spotlight, upon her return, she couldn't hide her great anxiety: fearing that her voice and beauty might not be as vibrant as before, and that her performance might be flawed and disappoint the audience. But as the music began, she was overwhelmed with memories, remembering her father (Artisan Thái Ðắc Hàng - the creator of the once-famous Bạc Liêu spoken poetry style); remembering the gentle melodies that have deeply permeated her soul from her youth to her graying hair.

"Mom, I'm pregnant and don't want a husband yet."

I'm waiting for the soldier to return victorious.

Today, the soldiers stand tall and proud...

He fought the French so well that my heart aches for him.

A wounded soldier on the battlefield.

Two wounds inflicted by the brave soldier fighting the French.

"My father waded through mud and swamps..."

The old sounds rise up, carrying with them the lingering echoes of the hearts of those from the past.

The poems: “Greetings to Ca Mau” (Ho Trung Viet), “The Last Leaf of the Season” (Nguyen Thai Thuan), and “A Touch of Spring Charm” (Dao Phuong Nam) were performed by three familiar voices: Artist My Phuong, Artist Thanh Xuan, and Artist Viet Tien. In this moment of reunion, the hustle and bustle of life were set aside, making way for youth, where the poetic heart was full of emotion. Having participated in the poetry night art program for many years, each time the artists sang, they captivated everyone's attention with their gestures, their way of enunciating words, and their melodic intonation.

Song: “New Ca Mau” (lyrics: Nguyen Ho Hai; music: composer Nguyen Ngoc Hien, choreography: Bich Ngoc), performed by: singer Nhat Tan and the dance group of the Ca Mau Provincial Cultural Center.

The moon poured over the spring night, and poetry connected with it, deepening the harmony. The Lantern Festival night became a beautiful memory – the memory of the first spring of the newly established Ca Mau province, under the bright moonlight, poetry naturally intertwined with the love of the land and the soul of the people.

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According to Meritorious Artist Do Ngoc An, Chairman of the Union of Literature and Arts Associations of Ca Mau province, this activity aims to celebrate the achievements of our homeland and country, inspiring life and creativity along with the great aspirations of the nation to the whole society. At the same time, it recalls the tradition of poetry accompanying the nation, creating immortal works in the flow of Vietnamese literature and art. This is also an opportunity for the team of literary creators in general, and poets in the province in particular, to reflect on the changes in their homeland as conveyed in literature and art; creating catalysts and inspiration to create meaningful poetic works, further beautifying the land and people of Ca Mau.

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Minh Hoang Phuc

Source: https://baocamau.vn/nguyen-tieu-nho-bac-a126727.html