The 23rd Vietnam Poetry Day, themed Homeland Soars, has officially opened in Ninh Binh, marking the first time this cultural event is held in the ancient capital of Hoa Lu. This occasion celebrates poetic values and honors the significant contributions of poets to the nation’s culture.
Mr. Nguyễn Trọng Nghĩa, Head of the Central Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Department, opens the 23rd Vietnam Poetry Day (Photo: Thanh Bình).
The Meaning Behind “Homeland Soars”
This year’s theme draws inspiration from the famous poem Dáng đứng Việt Nam (Vietnam’s Stance) by poet Lê Anh Xuân, written in March 1968. Specifically, the line “From your stance on Tân Sơn Nhất runway/Homeland soars into a boundless spring” became the main inspiration for messages of peace, life aspirations, and national resilience.
Poet Nguyễn Quang Thiều, President of the Vietnam Writers’ Association, shared that choosing this theme expresses deep gratitude to heroic individuals who sacrificed their lives for independence, freedom, and national unity. He emphasized: “They fell during wars defending the homeland so it could rise proudly as a nation.”
Poet Nguyễn Quang Thiều speaks at the opening ceremony (Photo: Minh Quang).
Highlights of the Venue
Ninh Binh – a sacred land known for its majestic natural beauty, heroic history, and rich culture – was chosen to host this year’s Vietnam Poetry Day. According to Mr. Phạm Quang Ngọc, Chairman of Ninh Binh Provincial People’s Committee, this national-level cultural event attracts numerous poets, writers, artists, and poetry enthusiasts.
Many poets attended the event in Ninh Binh (Photo: Thanh Bình).
Timeless Poems Recited
During the poetry night, many classic works were performed by artists from the Ninh Binh Chèo Theater, including Nguyên tiêu by President Hồ Chí Minh, Vũ Lâm thu vãn by Emperor Buddha Trần Nhân Tông, Dục Thúy Sơn by Trương Hán Siêu, Dáng đứng Việt Nam by Lê Anh Xuân, and Đất nước by Nguyễn Khoa Điềm. These poems not only reflect patriotic spirit but also convey messages of peace and sustainable development aspirations.
People’s Artist Mai Thủy performs Nguyên tiêu by President Hồ Chí Minh (Photo: Minh Quang).
Messages of Peace and Culture
Vietnam Poetry Day is not only a platform to honor poetic values but also a bridge connecting communities through artistic language. This event affirms poetry’s crucial role in fostering patriotism, spreading humanistic values, and promoting creativity in contemporary cultural life.
The 23rd Vietnam Poetry Day left a profound impression on poetry lovers while continuing to inspire younger generations about love for their homeland. Stay tuned for more activities in this special series of events!
Source: Dân trí Online Newspaper
