The masterpiece “Hồn Thiêng Đất Việt” by Hội An Craft has won the first prize at the Ocean 2025 International Lantern Festival, outshining entries from countries such as China, South Korea, and Japan.

The awards ceremony took place on the evening of January 18 at Ocean City Urban Area (Van Giang, Hung Yen) as part of the “Eastern Lights” festival. Inspired by the cultural essence of Hội An (Quang Nam), “Hồn Thiêng Đất Việt” features iconic elements, including the ancient town, Chùa Cầu (Japanese Bridge), and traditional floating lanterns. This grand-scale creation spans 70 meters in length and 20 meters in width, earning recognition as the largest lantern installation in Vietnam.

Innovative Materials Set Hội An Apart

The unique material used in the winning lantern was a defining feature. Unlike the typical materials such as fabric, cellophane, mica, or Korean and Japanese papers, Hội An Craft introduced a revolutionary material made from Cam Thanh nipa palm trees (Hội An). This local paper took five years of research and development by the team to perfect.

Võ Hoàng (born in 1984), a member of Hội An Craft, explained that the entire project was handcrafted, from creating the paper to assembling the lanterns. The team employed a distinctive technique, using water pressure to produce intricate light-and-shadow effects on the nipa palm paper. “When illuminated, visitors can see delicate paintings on the paper, showcasing the artistic brilliance of our artisans,” Võ Hoàng said.

Recognizing Excellence Across Nations

The second prize was awarded to “Thần May Mắn” (Qilin) by South Korean artist Seo Deok Hwan. This entry stood out for its use of recycled materials, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability in lantern-making. South Korea, along with China and Japan, has a long-standing tradition of crafting lanterns, transforming lantern festivals into major cultural and tourism events.

The third prize went to “Long Phượng Sum Vầy” (The Reunion of Dragon and Phoenix) by the Sắc Màu Cuộc Sống team from Tuyen Quang, Vietnam. This work drew inspiration from Vietnamese folklore, with the Dragon symbolizing the nation’s legendary origins as descendants of dragons and fairies. The Phoenix, representing elegance and nobility, danced beside the Dragon, symbolizing aspirations for peace, harmony, and a prosperous society.

This year’s festival not only celebrated the artistry of lantern-making but also underscored the cultural innovation and creativity of Hội An, shining brightly on the global stage.