Spring blooms across Vietnam

Spring Photo Contest 2021, hosted by HCMC Photography Association (HOPA), attracted 374 participants with 3,480 photos. With the theme “Vietnamese Spring”, the jury selected 80 photos for exhibition, including one first prize, two second prizes, three third prizes and five consolation prizes. The award ceremony took place in early February in Ho Chi Minh City.

“Spring Love” by Tran Anh Tuan won first place. Tuan said he took the photo when he met an old couple chatting joyfully while carrying a peach blossom branch home to celebrate Tet in Duong Lam ancient village, Hanoi.

The second prize winner is Ho Van Thai Hoang's “Spring Sunshine”, taken in District 5, HCMC.

“On a spring day, I was going out with my camera as usual. When I heard the sound of a drum at a temple from afar, I quickly went there, observed the activities and decided to shoot from a high angle. That feeling is special,” Hoang said.

Another second prize is Nguyen Son Tung's “Tet Gathering”, taken in Ai Quoc Commune, Loc Binh District, Lang Son Province.

The author said the Tet reunion has an important meaning that everyone cherishes. This is a day to reunite with your loved ones.

Tet (Lunar New Year), Vietnam's biggest holiday, peaks on Feb. 12 this year.

“Trieu Khuc Village Festival” by Bui Dang Thanh won the third prize.

The festival in Thanh Tri District, Hanoi was recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2019. The festival is held on lunar Jan. 9-12 every year, to commemorate national hero Phung Hung, a chief and military leader during the 8th century.

A highlight of this festival is when boys dress up in colorful women’s clothes, and with chalky cheeks and lipstick, perform a traditional dance.

“Simple Happiness” by Le Hong Duc won the third prize. In the photo is a H'mong family of Lao Xa Village, Dong Van District, Ha Giang Province.

“Spring Afternoon” by Tran Ngoc Dung, an aerial view of HCMC's central District 1, also won the third prize.

“Spring Wharf” by Nguyen Thanh Tung won a consolation prize, capturing the spring flower market from above at Binh Dong Wharf, District 8, HCMC. Tet flower boats moored closely together create a colorful photo.

“Christmas in Hanoi” by Pham Van Hoc is a another consolation award winner.

Nguyen Duc Phuoc's “Little Spring” also won a consolation prize. It was taken at the West Lake flower valley in Tay Ho District, Hanoi.

“Go Cong Flower Garden” was shot by Duong Cong Son and won a consolation prize.

“Spring is Here” by Bui Dang Thanh, which also scooped a consolation prize, was captured in Sung La Commune, Dong Van District, Ha Giang.