The Oriental Light Festival, set to illuminate the skies from January 18 to March 26 in Hung Yen Province, promises a spectacular showcase of light and culture.

Among the highlights of this ‘super festival’ is the Ocean International Lantern Contest, featuring a dazzling display of lanterns from around the world. With 580 activities, there’s something for everyone during the Lunar New Year holiday, falling on January 29.

The main event, the Ocean International Lantern Contest, shines a light on the very best in lantern art. This year, the first prize was awarded to Hoi An Craft Vietnam for their awe-inspiring ‘Hon Thieng Dat Viet’ (The Sacred Soul of Vietnam) lantern. Spanning 70 meters in length and 20 meters in width, this masterpiece took over two months and 12 artisans to complete. The unique use of paper made from coconut tree bark, sourced from the Cam Thanh Coconut Forest in Hoi An, adds a special touch to this already remarkable creation.

Hoi An Craft Vietnam’s ‘Hon Thieng Dat Viet’ (The Sacred Soul of Vietnam) lantern claims first prize.

Chen Jia, cultural director of Yuyuan INC and a judge at the contest, was particularly moved by the lantern. She praised the way Vietnamese culture and history were seamlessly woven into the design, with light used to express love and pride for the nation’s rich heritage. The lantern’s use of eco-friendly materials also showcased the creativity and innovation of Vietnamese artisans.

The second prize was awarded to South Korea’s ‘The God of Fortune’, while the third prizes went to Vietnam’s own ‘Sac Mau Cuoc Song’ (The Colors of Life) and ‘Long Phuong Sum Vay’ (Dragon and Phoenix Gathering). Honorable mentions included ‘Lac Long Quan Tro Ve’ (Lac Long Quan Returns) by Vietnam’s youngest contestant, born in 2007, along with China’s ‘Wings of the Future’ and South Korea’s ‘Sajik & Nongak Ceremony’.

‘Lac Long Quan Tro Ve’ (Lac Long Quan Returns) by Vietnam’s youngest contestant.

Nguyen Thu Hang, CEO of Vinhomes and a festival organizer, shared that the Oriental Light Festival is more than just a cultural event. It aims to elevate the art of light, fusing traditional culture with modern artistic expressions. This festival, she believes, will put Vietnam on the global cultural and tourism map, attracting visitors from all over the world and showcasing the country’s ability to host exceptional cultural events.

The Vietnam Records Organization has recognized the Ocean International Lantern Contest within the festival as the largest international lantern festival in Vietnam, boasting the longest lantern street adorned with symbols from various cultures. Additionally, ‘Hon Thieng Dat Viet’ has been acknowledged as the largest lantern cluster in the country.

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