03/08/2026
The Dagestani poet Rasul Gamzatov once wrote: "Without people, poetry would leave me orphaned." As the modern world continues to change at an unprecedented pace, life would be immeasurably poorer without poetry, and the human spirit would become increasingly barren.
The Vietnamese people have long cherished a deep love of poetry. Throughout the nation's history, poetry has often become a spiritual weapon in defending the country during times of hardship. Across generations, it has served as an indispensable source of spiritual nourishment - the "voice of the soul" and the sail that carries dreams and aspirations forward. Poetry has accompanied people not only in moments of leisure but also in learning, labour, and national struggle, becoming one of the most enduring features of Vietnamese cultural identity.
In keeping with this tradition, Vietnam Poetry Day - an annual cultural event held on the occasion of Nguyen Tieu (the Full Moon Festival of the first lunar month) - provides a space where poetry meets the public, and where the nation's enduring cultural and spiritual values are celebrated, preserved, and passed on to future generations.
Although each Vietnam Poetry Day adopts a different theme, every edition seeks to convey profound humanistic values while nurturing public appreciation of poetry. The theme of the 24th Vietnam Poetry Day, "Before the Great Sea," was chosen against the backdrop of a new stage in the country's development following the successful conclusion of the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam. The image of the "Great Sea" symbolizes international integration, globalization, rapid advances in science and technology, and profound transformations in culture, ways of thinking, and lifestyles.
As the nation navigates this vast "great sea," it requires courage, wisdom, and cultural depth in order to move forward with confidence while preserving its identity. Poetry, as a distinctive form of artistic expression and cultural consciousness, plays an irreplaceable role in enriching spiritual life, safeguarding national cultural values, and nurturing the aspirations and character of the Vietnamese people. This was the central message conveyed by the 24th Vietnam Poetry Day.
Under the theme "Before the Great Sea: Xu Thanh - Roots and Aspirations" ("Xu Thanh" being a traditional cultural name for the Thanh Hoa region that evokes its history and identity), the event featured a rich programme of activities, including an incense-offering ceremony in memory of President Ho Chi Minh; exhibitions, exchanges, and judging of poetry booths presented by various organizations, institutions, and literary clubs; an opening ceremony and artistic performances featuring poetry recitations, poetry-based performances, and songs celebrating the Party, President Ho Chi Minh, the homeland, and the nation; and a closing ceremony at which certificates and awards were presented to the most outstanding exhibition booths.
Hong Duc University's poetry booth was designed around the themes of honouring the enduring values of poetry, celebrating the beauty of spring, expressing gratitude to the Party and President Ho Chi Minh, and paying tribute to Vietnam's long-standing tradition of patriotism and national pride. Alongside medieval Vietnamese poems rich in philosophical reflection, the exhibition featured poems, poetry collections, research publications, and literary criticism representing both the New Poetry movement (Tho Moi) and contemporary Vietnamese literature. Numerous poems written by the University's lecturers, staff, and students were also prominently displayed.
The exhibition attracted particular attention through two pairs of traditional parallel couplets composed by lecturers from the Faculty of Social Sciences, celebrating the Party, spring, and the University's educational mission.
The enthusiasm of Hong Duc University's academic community was reflected in a variety of activities throughout the event. Students served as masters of ceremonies and performed poetry on stage. The University also received numerous poetry publications donated by members of the Vietnam Writers' Association and the Thanh Hoa Association of Literature and Arts.
At the University's poetry booth, visitors enjoyed a lively programme of activities, including welcoming provincial leaders, University representatives, members of the Association of Literature and Arts, and members of the public; exchanging poetry publications; reading and appreciating poetry; discussing poetry and the craft of writing; participating in cultural performances; and taking commemorative photographs. Together, these activities created a vibrant, joyful, and intellectually enriching atmosphere.
Thanks to its careful preparation and professional organization, Hong Duc University's exhibition booth was honoured with the highest award (Grade A) for Most Impressive Exhibition Booth at the 24th Vietnam Poetry Day 2026 in Thanh Hoa.
Photos from the 24th Vietnam Poetry Day 2026 in Thanh Hoa
Comrade Nguyen Hong Phong, Alternate Member of the Party Central Committee and Standing Deputy Secretary of the Thanh Hoa Provincial Party Committee, visits and speaks with University leaders, lecturers, staff, and students at Hong Duc University's poetry exhibition booth.
University lecturers, staff, and students at Hong Duc University's poetry exhibition booth.
Writers and artists join University lecturers, staff, and students for a commemorative photograph at Hong Duc University's poetry exhibition booth.
Poems written by Hong Duc University's lecturers, staff, and students on display at the exhibition booth.
University lecturers, staff, and students at Hong Duc University's poetry exhibition booth.
University lecturers and staff at Hong Duc University's poetry exhibition booth.
Cat Linh, a K28 student in the Literature Studies program, performs the poem Lá thư không gửi (The Unsent Letter) during one of the Poetry Day programmes.
The Organizing Committee presents commemorative flags to participating organizations at the 24th Vietnam Poetry Day in Thanh Hoa.
The Organizing Committee presents the highest award (Grade A) to outstanding participating organizations, including Hong Duc University's exhibition booth.
Written and photographed by: Hoang Hue, Thanh Nga