This year’s “Le hoi Lang Sen”, also known as the Sen village festival, an annual event which takes places in the central province of Nghe An, is set to only include ceremonial activities and exclude any extra festivities amid fears surrounding the potential spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

According to organisers, the event is set to take place amid a solemn and respectful atmosphere, whilst participants strictly abide by measures aimed at both preventing and controlling the COVID-19 from spreading in line with guidance issued by the Ministry of Health.

The Sen village festival 2020 is scheduled to take place in Kim Lien commune of Nam Dan district in the central province of Nghe An between May 15 and 19 as part of a range of activities to mark the 130th birthday of President Ho Chi Minh, which falls on May 19.

The five-day festival is poised to feature an array of cultural activities, including offering flowers at Uncle Ho’s statue which is located  at Ho Chi Minh square in Vinh city, an incense offering to Uncle Ho at his memorial in the Kim Lien relic site, along with a painting exhibition for guests to come and enjoy.

With organisers drawing up fresh plans for the occasion, this year's festival won’t feature  activities such as a parade which heads to Uncle Ho’s home, the opening and closing ceremonies of the festival, a singing contest, a sports competition, and various film screenings.

In addition, a volleyball tournament which was due to be held for the event is set to be pushed back with the rearranged time to be announced later.

The festival was first held in 1981 and aims to show the nation’s gratitude and respect towards President Ho Chi Minh.