Tran Thi Van Anh, deputy director of the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports, says the festival has made a comeback after a two year of hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, adding that it has been gradually shaping into a cultural event and attracting a large number of residents and tourists.
The festival is part of activities in response to Hanoi’s participation in UNESCO's creative cities network, she adds.
The spring calligraphy festival aims to create a healthy playground for professional calligraphers who write scripts conveying the true meaning of prosperity, longevity, and happiness, she notes.
According to Le Xuan Kieu, director of the Van Mieu–Quoc Tu Giam Culture and Science Centre, the festival brings together 50 Vietnamese calligraphers from across the country, and a foreign calligrapher from France. Pictured is the sole foreign calligrapher at this year’s festival.
The festival also draws the participation of skilled artisans from several traditional craft villages of silk, lacquer, and ceramics.
Visitors have the opportunity to enjoy 40 calligraphic works from outstanding artisans in order to gain greater insights into the calligraphy art.
In addition to the calligraphy, a number of folk games and traditional art performances are held during the event.
Organisers present certificates to the authors whose works are put on display at the calligraphy festival.