Lantern Festival through the eyes of Photographers Kim Cuong and Cong Son

(NADS) - Every full moon of January, in the heart of bustling Saigon, District 5 lights up with the Lantern Festival - one of the most important cultural events of the Chinese community in Ho Chi Minh City. Through the lens of Photographers Kim Cuong and Duong Cong Son, this festival is not only colorful but also imbued with traditional culture, conveying unique spiritual values ​​and identities.

Lantern Festival – a unique cultural heritage

The Nguyen Tieu Festival (full moon of the first lunar month) originated in China, but when it was introduced to Vietnam, especially in the Cho Lon area, it blended with the unique features of Vietnamese culture, becoming an event with its own unique mark. This is not only an occasion for the Chinese community to honor their beliefs but also a big festival, attracting a large number of city residents and tourists to participate.

Panoramic view of the Lantern Festival in District 5, Ho Chi Minh City from above. The festival space is brilliant with a splendid welcome gate, a grand central stage and a spectacular dragon dance stretching among the crowded crowd. The dominant red color and the sparkling lighting system create a vibrant festival atmosphere, expressing the traditional beauty and unique culture of the Chinese community in Saigon.

The festival takes place at Chinese assembly halls and pagodas such as Nghia An Assembly Hall, Ha Chuong Assembly Hall, Quang Dong Assembly Hall, etc., with a series of solemn rituals such as the Quan Thanh De Quan palanquin procession, lion and dragon dances, releasing flower lanterns, and praying for peace. On Tran Hung Dao, Nguyen Trai, Luong Nhu Hoc streets, splendid parades in traditional costumes and colorful palanquins create a sacred and vibrant scene.

The vibrant and bustling atmosphere of the Lantern Festival in District 5, Ho Chi Minh City. The stage was splendidly decorated with the characteristic red color, vibrant art performances such as lion and dragon dances, traditional music and dance, bringing a colorful cultural party. Hundreds of spectators attended, immersing themselves in the festive atmosphere, creating a grand festival full of the identity of the Chinese community.

The image of colorful lion and dragon dance troupes parading through the streets attracts a large number of locals and tourists. The festive atmosphere is bustling with grand performances, combined with the pounding drums, creating a bustling and vibrant scene.

The image of the parade in colorful traditional costumes, carrying cultural and religious symbols of the Chinese community. On both sides of the road, thousands of locals and tourists gathered to watch, creating a vibrant and unique festival atmosphere.

Lantern Festival – A bridge between past and present

Through the lens of NSNA Kim Cuong and Duong Cong Son, the Lantern Festival is not only a cultural event but also a spiritual heritage of the Chinese community in Saigon. The photos not only capture the moment but also tell a story about beliefs, traditions and connections between people.

The Lantern Festival, through a photographic perspective, does not only stop at brilliant colors but also reflects profound cultural values ​​- a vivid picture of life, of traditional beauty that is still preserved in the heart of a modern city.

Source: https://nhiepanhdoisong.vn/le-hoi-nguyen-tieu-qua-goc-nhin-nghe-si-nhiep-anh-kim-cuong-va-cong-son-15792.html