Grand Opening Ceremony of the Spring Calligraphy Festival 2026 (Year of the Horse)

VHO - On the afternoon of February 11, 2026, at Ho Van Space, Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam National Special Monument, the "Spring Calligraphy Festival" of the Year of the Horse 2026 was inaugurated - a meaningful traditional cultural activity held every time Tet (Lunar New Year) and Spring arrive.

Calligraphy Festival of the Year of the Horse 2026 The event will take place from February 11th to March 1st, 2026 (i.e., from the 24th day of the 12th lunar month of the Year of the Snake to the 13th day of the 1st lunar month of the Year of the Horse), and will be open to visitors daily from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Scenes from the opening ceremony of the Spring Calligraphy Festival 2026 (Year of the Horse).

With the theme "National Studies," the Spring Calligraphy Festival of the Year of the Horse 2026 not only honors the nation's tradition of valuing education but also encourages a serious and creative learning spirit, in line with the core values ​​of the Vietnamese people.

The Spring Calligraphy Festival is not only a space for appreciating calligraphy and receiving auspicious characters at the beginning of the year, but also a cultural activity that promotes the spirit of learning, respect for morality, and guides people towards the values ​​of truth, goodness, and beauty.

This year, the Spring Calligraphy Festival made a distinct mark with comprehensive innovations in its spatial organization and activity content. The Ho Van area was renovated and upgraded, creating an elegant spring atmosphere that harmoniously blends tradition and contemporary style.

Mr. Le Xuan Kieu, Director of the Cultural and Scientific Activities Center of Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giám, delivered a speech at the opening ceremony.

The functional areas are scientifically planned, including: an art exhibition area, a heritage experience space, a traditional craft village experience area, a calligraphy area for the new year, and an area showcasing culinary culture.

A highlight of the Spring Calligraphy Festival is the activity of requesting calligraphy at the beginning of the year at 35 calligraphy booths of carefully selected calligraphers who were vetted through an objective and transparent selection process.

This activity not only fulfills the spiritual needs and wishes for good fortune, academic success, and career advancement of the people, but also contributes to honoring the artistic value of traditional calligraphy.

The calligraphers are carefully selected through an objective and transparent selection process.

The Spring Calligraphy Festival of the Year of the Horse 2026 will take place from February 11th to March 1st, 2026 (i.e., from the 24th day of the 12th lunar month of the Year of the Snake to the 13th day of the 1st lunar month of the Year of the Horse).

In addition, the organizing committee also implemented many diverse activities aimed at a wide range of audiences, such as: heritage education programs, a reading culture space, exhibitions of traditional craft products, folk games, traditional chess, lion dance, and unique folk art performances such as Quan Ho, Ca Tru, and Cheo...

Activities were held in the Inner Sanctuary, the Imperial Garden, and the Van Lake, creating a vibrant spring atmosphere rich in cultural identity.

The tradition of asking for calligraphy at the beginning of the year is a long-standing cultural custom of the Vietnamese people, expressing aspirations for goodness, knowledge, character, and good fortune in the new year.

In the Inner Sanctuary of the historical site, in addition to the two permanent exhibition spaces, " The First National School" and " The Origins of Learning ," visitors can also explore the exhibition " Ancient Traces of Culture 4" with the theme " A Thousand Years of Learning" in the front hall of the Imperial Academy, along with thematic exhibitions "Horses Returning to the City " and "History in Stone ."

The exhibits further affirm the historical and cultural depth of the Temple of Literature - National University within the cultural heritage of Thang Long - Hanoi.

This year, the Spring Calligraphy Festival has the theme "National Studies," coinciding with the 950th anniversary of the founding of Quoc Tu Giam – Vietnam's first national school.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr. Le Xuan Kieu, Director of the Cultural and Scientific Activities Center of Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giám, said: “Through the Spring Calligraphy Festival , we hope to bring spiritual joy, peace, and a good start to the spring season for the people and tourists visiting Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giám.”

This year, the Spring Calligraphy Festival has the theme "National Studies," coinciding with the 950th anniversary of the founding of Quoc Tu Giam – Vietnam's first national school.

The exhibits further affirm the historical and cultural depth of the Temple of Literature - National University within the cultural heritage of Thang Long - Hanoi.

This theme emphasizes the special role of the Temple of Literature - National University in the history of national education, affirming the tradition of respecting teachers and valuing talent - enduring values ​​that have shaped the cultural identity of Thang Long - Hanoi and the Vietnamese nation.

Besides promoting traditional cultural values, the Organizing Committee places special emphasis on discipline, responsibility, and a spirit of community service; ensuring that the Spring Calligraphy Festival takes place in a solemn, civilized, and safe manner, preserving the beautiful image of the Temple of Literature - National University in the hearts of the people and friends both domestically and internationally.

Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/van-hoa/tung-bung-khai-hoi-chu-xuan-binh-ngo-2026-204263.html