On those occasions, we displayed the "Quan Ho Past and Present" space to introduce artifacts, costumes, customs, and lifestyles of the Quan Ho people. We not only sang, but also told stories about the betel quid shaped like a phoenix wing, the conical hat with chin strap, the silk robe, the turban; about the greetings, offering betel, making friends, and socializing in Quan Ho culture. We often tell many researchers and journalists that knowing how to sing is only a small part of the entire "art of Quan Ho." The essence of Quan Ho lies in the customs, cultural conduct, and the importance of loyalty and affection that the Quan Ho people have preserved and passed down through generations.

Brother Duong Duc Thang (far right) introduces Quan Ho folk culture to Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh . Photo: baochinhphu.vn

2025 can be considered a special year as we have the opportunity to participate in all the major events at the National Exhibition Center (Dong Anh commune, Hanoi ). These include: the "Exhibition of National Achievements: 80 Years of Independence - Freedom - Happiness" in [month]; the Autumn Fair 2025; and most recently, the Spring Fair during the Lunar New Year 2026. Amidst the vibrant multicultural landscape, the Quan Ho folk songs of Bac Ninh still stand out with their unique elegance and refinement.

We are deeply moved to see more and more people stopping to listen, learn, and ask questions about Quan Ho folk singing. Some have heard the melodies before but didn't understand the customs; some foreign tourists are learning for the first time that Bac Ninh Quan Ho folk singing has been inscribed by UNESCO as a representative intangible cultural heritage of humanity. The more we introduce and promote it, the clearer it becomes that Quan Ho today is not just a folk art form of the Kinh Bac region, but has spread widely both domestically and internationally, becoming a value that connects communities.

Ambassador Alejandro Negrin visits the exhibition space "Quan Ho Folk Songs: Past and Present". Photo provided by the interviewee.

At the 2026 Spring Fair, we had a special experience meeting Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and the government delegation. The Prime Minister's image on television was already very approachable, but meeting him in person, I felt even more strongly his kindness, sincerity, and attentiveness.

We respectfully greet you:

- Yes, we, the Quan Ho folk singers, would like to extend our greetings to you and the delegation visiting the fair!

The Prime Minister smiled and asked:

Are you all from the Quan Ho folk singing tradition of Bac Ninh?

- Yes, sir. We were born in the original Quan Ho village, and today we are representing Bac Ninh province to participate in this exhibition and introduce Quan Ho culture.

- Can you sing Quan Ho folk songs?

Yes, we know how to sing.

- So, could you sing a song for me?

We would like to perform the song "Guests Visiting Our Home" as a tribute to Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and the delegation. After the song, the Prime Minister approached, shook hands with each person, and patted them on the shoulder in encouragement.

- You all sing beautifully. Please try your best to preserve and promote this intangible cultural heritage.

We were deeply moved and said:

- Yes, sir. We thank you and the delegation for listening and encouraging us. We will try our best to preserve and promote Quan Ho folk songs so that they spread even further.

The meeting lasted only about ten minutes, but it left us with much to think about. The Prime Minister's words made us even more aware of our responsibility as those who bring Quan Ho folk songs to the world. As those directly promoting this heritage, we told ourselves that we must present the values ​​of Bac Ninh Quan Ho folk songs in the most honest, refined, and accessible way possible.

Furthermore, on March 12th, our delegation had the honor of welcoming the Mexican Ambassador to Vietnam, Alejandro Negrin, to visit the exhibition space "Quan Ho Folk Songs: Past and Present." We introduced the Ambassador to the meaning of the betel quid shaped like a phoenix wing, the traditional costumes of the male and female singers, and the loyalty and devotion expressed in each song. After listening, the Ambassador expressed his gratitude and praised the Quan Ho folk songs of Bac Ninh. For us, this was a joy and also proof of the spread of Quan Ho to international friends.

Each time we return from an event, our hearts are filled with more thoughts. The joy of being embraced by the public is accompanied by an increasingly heavy sense of responsibility. As those directly involved in bringing Quan Ho folk songs to the community, we remind ourselves to preserve them in their proper form and essence; so that Quan Ho not only sounds beautiful but also retains the complete soul and spirit of our Kinh Bac homeland.

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/van-hoa/doi-song/quan-ho-xua-va-nay-1026284