A program called “Happy Tet 2024” that recreates the traditional Tet holiday will take place from January 24 to 28, 2024 at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel.
| The program replicates the recent traditional Tet celebration at Dong Ngac Ancient Village, Bac Tu Liem District, Hanoi, organized by Canon Vietnam. Photo: Nguoi Lao Dong |
According to the organizers, the cultural event aims to commemorate the traditional Tet (the Lunar New Year for Vietnamese people) through a series of activities, including a photo exhibition, art performances, folk games, and other cultural experiences.
The highlight of the program is the display of a 300-year-old ancient kite preserved at Song An Temple in Vu Thu District, Thai Binh Province, along with 200 other kites of various kinds created by kite artisans from across the country.
The ancient kite procession will be held on January 25 with the participation of dragon and lion dance troupes and members of the kite club wearing traditional costumes.
According to Le Thi Thiet, Deputy Director of the Vietnam Kite Cultural Heritage Conservation Center, the ancient kite dates back to the 14th century during the Le dynasty. Despite the passage of time, this 100-meter-long kite, made entirely of bamboo and paper, is still remarkably well-preserved today.
| The ancient dragon is kept at Song An Temple, Vu Thu Commune, Thai Binh Province. Photo: thaibinhtv.vn |
The Kite Flying Festival is held annually in spring at Song An Temple in Thai Binh Province to pray for a peaceful and prosperous Lunar New Year.
In 2019, the festival was recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
The festival will also feature other kite-related activities, such as kite storytelling, kite construction, and kite decoration.
Taking place in the spacious grounds of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, Happy Tet 2024 showcases six thematic areas, namely “The Train Going Home,” “A Traditional Hanoi Family,” “Tet in the Central Coastal Region,” “Tet in the South,” “Tet Among Ethnic Peoples,” and “A Culinary Promotion Area.”
The customs of Hanoi, such as the making and cooking of Banh chung or traditional Vietnamese square cake, the preparation of an offering tray for ancestors, the li xi or the giving of lucky money, and others, will be recreated.
In addition, Hanoi authorities will reserve a section to promote the city’s most attractive destinations, including Long Bien Bridge, Dong Xuan Market, Me Linh Flower Market, West Lake, and the lively Old Quarter.
The program provides visitors with an opportunity to experience the festive atmosphere of Tet in ancient times while fulfilling Vietnam’s commitment to UNESCO in preserving and promoting the heritage of Thang Long Citadel – Hanoi.
| The Tet calligraphy demonstration corner inside Thang Long Imperial Citadel. Photo: Thang Long Imperial Citadel |
