The Bac Ninh Quan Ho Festival is not only an occasion for the reunion of sweet, soulful Kinh Bac songs, but also a place to honor unique cultural values, honored by UNESCO as a representative intangible cultural heritage of humanity. Since its international recognition in September 2009, Quan Ho has gradually developed strongly, spreading in the cultural life of the people, becoming a proud symbol and cultural highlight of Vietnam. The passionate folk melodies have been constantly preserved and passed down, opening up a path of sustainable and creative preservation so that Quan Ho can live forever.

The people of Bac Ninh have turned the Quan Ho heritage into a source of life in their daily lives, from the invitation to chew betel to the love songs. The simplicity and charm of Quan Ho has entered people's hearts, becoming an indispensable part of the culture and identity of this place. The images of conical hats, four-flap dresses, and the sound of footsteps on Quan Ho boats have captivated admirers and honored the beauty of Vietnamese folk culture. Every year, in the spring, the program "Returning to Quan Ho land" calls out to visitors from near and far, creating a bustling yet lyrical space, where the heritage becomes an endless source of inspiration, nurturing love for the homeland and country.

Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam presented the Prime Minister's Certificate of Merit to the people and officials of Bac Ninh province for their achievements in protecting and promoting the value of the representative intangible cultural heritage of humanity "Bac Ninh Quan Ho Folk Songs". Photo: baobacninh.com.vn

Quan Ho preservation has been carried out by Bac Ninh early and systematically. From the early days, this heritage has been taught in schools, Quan Ho singing classes have been opened free of charge to the community, creating a solid foundation for the younger generation to absorb and preserve the heritage. During festivals, Quan Ho singing is not only performed on stage but also infiltrated into family gatherings, spreading love from children to the elderly. The heritage space has gone beyond the festival framework, becoming a unique activity, deeply imbued in the hearts of Kinh Bac people.

Quan Ho becomes special thanks to the role of the artisans - the "living treasures" of the homeland. The artisans not only know each ancient tune by heart but also have a deep understanding of Quan Ho culture, from costumes to festival rituals. They are the bridge between the past and the present, dedicated to teaching the younger generation both singing techniques and profound values ​​of humanity and community ties. Caring for, honoring, and providing medical support for the artisans is Bac Ninh's way of showing gratitude, while ensuring that the heritage is passed on fully and meaningfully.

Not stopping at preserving tradition, Bac Ninh has grasped modern technology to build a Quan Ho data bank, storing all documents about this precious heritage. These documents are not only a treasure trove of knowledge for researchers but also become a tool for the young generation and the public who love Quan Ho to easily access, arousing pride in their homeland's heritage. Along with audio and video recordings, the data bank is a big step forward in bringing Quan Ho closer to young people, creating a cultural bridge between generations.

Quan Ho singing performance at the Festival opening ceremony. Photo: Collected

Quan Ho cultural space has also gone beyond Vietnam's borders to step out into the world. Quan Ho artists' overseas tours are opportunities for international friends to better understand the beauty of Vietnamese traditions and the sincere feelings in each song. For people in the country, Quan Ho performances in military units and at cultural events are a way to preserve and promote the love of heritage and convey profound cultural inspiration to all parts of the country.

The Bac Ninh Quan Ho Festival has become a living cultural symbol, not only of the Kinh Bac people but also of the entire Vietnamese people. Each festival season is an opportunity for the community to join hands to preserve, pass on and spread the heritage, so that Quan Ho will always be an eternal sound, echoing in the soul, reminding of the love for the homeland and roots. Conservation efforts from the local to the national level are making Quan Ho more vibrant and eternal, so that each song still resonates forever, overflowing with time, affirming the enduring and profound value of the heritage in the flow of Vietnamese culture.

Hoang Anh