Farm tools are sold in Viềng Market Festival. This year's market will be suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo laodong.vn

NAM ĐỊNH — One of the most anticipated spring festivals in Việt Nam, Viềng Market Festival in Vụ Bản District the northern province of Nam Định, will be suspended this year by local authorities.

The suspension is part of local measures to prevent and control the COVID-19 pandemic during the upcoming Tết (Lunar New Year) and the spring festival season of 2021.

The cancellation of the much-anticipated festival has disappointed regular visitors.

“What a pity that this year’s market could not be held,” said 62-year-old Nguyễn Thị Hương whose hometown is in Nam Định Province.

“Visiting Viềng Market has become our family’s annual tradition. We come here to buy many goods with the wish for a prosperous new year and particularly, to enjoy the festival atmosphere.

“However, I agree with the suspension. Mass gatherings should be limited in the context of the unpredictable situation of the pandemic. Hopefully, the pandemic will be under control soon so we can thoroughly enjoy the traditional festivals,” she added.

On the seventh day of the first lunar month, which this year falls on February 18, Viềng Market Festival normally opens at Kim Thái Commune in Vụ Bản District.

The two-day-only event is believed to bring luck to visitors, both sellers and buyers at the market. The market offers a wide range of goods, from food to children clothes, potted plants to farming tools, all of which are bought and sold without bargaining.

Besides visiting the market, shoppers can also visit pagodas and temples nearby to worship Mother Goddesses and pray for prosperity. 

Last year, Viềng Market was held, but the number of visitors was lower than usual. The pandemic at the time forced local authorities to cancel the ceremony of "The Royal Seal Conferment" at Trần Temple Festival that was set to take place the following week. VNS