On the morning of 25/2, during a press conference introducing Vietnam Poetry Day 2026, writer Trinh Bich Ngan highlighted the significant effort required for selecting, designing, and printing works for the event's poetry exhibition space. However, with the event lasting only three days, reaching a wide readership remains limited.
"I hope for research and planning to create a permanent poetry street space on a specific street in TP HCM, to serve the literary appreciation needs of the public," she stated.
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Writer Trinh Bich Ngan at the Vietnam Poetry Day 2026 press conference. Photo: Organizing Committee |
Writer Trinh Bich Ngan at the Vietnam Poetry Day 2026 press conference. Photo: Organizing Committee
According to the writer, relevant departments could select representative works by authors such as Nguyen Trai, Nguyen Du, Ho Xuan Huong, or Nguyen Dinh Chieu for display. The poster layout for poems could be designed in a bilingual format, thereby promoting Vietnamese cultural values to international tourists. Establishing this space would preserve literary heritage, bringing poetry closer to contemporary life.
Vietnam Poetry Day in TP HCM will take place over three days: 27/2, 28/2, and 1/3, at the premises of 81 Tran Quoc Thao, Xuan Hoa Ward. The event is organized amidst celebrations of several milestones, including 50 years since the city was named after President Ho Chi Minh and 40 years of implementing the Doi Moi (Renovation) period.
TP HCM is not only an economic hub but also a place experiencing significant developments in literary and artistic creation. The theme "New Urban Call" was chosen to reflect the dynamics of urban life and the role of artists in accompanying societal development.
Currently, the Poetry Street exhibition space at the event showcases 12 works by prominent authors, including Che Lan Vien, Chim Trang, Nguyen Thai Son, Le Xuan Do, and Trieu Tu Truyen. According to poet Le Thieu Nhon, a member of the Poetry Council of the Vietnam Writers' Association and Head of the Young Writers' Committee of the TP HCM Writers' Association, each work carries a unique mark, reflecting the face of poetry during 40 years of renovation.
Many professional activities and exchanges are organized, including: the "Urban Poetry" symposium, the "Tree of Soul" translated poetry exhibition featuring Vietnamese poems translated into other languages, a poetry camp with participation from clubs in TP HCM and neighboring areas, and the "New Urban Call" music and poetry program. Additionally, the organizing committee launched a creative writing contest on the same theme. The total prize value is 100 million VND, with the first prize being 20 million VND.
Cat Tien
