The Lim fest, which features UNESCO-recognized “quan ho” (Bac Ninh folk love duets) along with a host of traditional activities, attracted some thousand visitors on Feb 11 and 12.

The festivities took place in Lim town in Tu Son district, and Tien Du district’s Noi Due and Lien Bao communes. The epicenter was at Hong Van mountain, also known as Lim mountain.

Sweet “quan ho” performances, showcasing artists from local “quan ho” villages, cultural centers and art schools, were provided inside five tents, on boats and  onstage. Performances given at the artists’ homes in the neighborhood usually feature the genre in its original form.

Visitors can also rent costumes and take part in the artists’ performances.

“For us, ‘quan ho’ artists and enthusiasts, performances of the genre at and around the Lim fest are as significant as Tet. We work all year long and eagerly wait for the fest before returning to our daily farm work,” shared Chien, a veteran “quan ho” artist.

The fest also features palanquin processions and folk games such as high swings, wrestling, pot smashing while being blindfolded, sack-hopping, human chess and traditional card games.

“Quan ho” is typically performed as alternating verses between two women from one village who sing them in harmony, and two men from another village who respond with similar melodies, but with different lyrics.

The more than 400 song lyrics, sung with 213 different melody variations, are expressive of lovers’ longing and sadness upon separation, and their happiness upon reunion.

“Quan ho”, which is recognized by the UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, is typically performed at rituals, festivals, competitions and informal gatherings. The haunting songs also help cement social bonds within and between villages which share the tradition.