Foreign and local tourists alike were thrilled to immerse themselves in the vibrant festivities of the ‘Xuan Yeu Thuong 2025’ (Spring of Love) program, which kicked off at the East Sea Park on Vo Nguyen Giap Street in Ngu Hanh Son District last week.

The highlight of the event was the opportunity to engage in traditional Tet activities, such as baking ‘banh in’ (delicate snow-flaked cakes), crafting homemade jams, and learning the art of wrapping ‘banh tet’ (cylindrical glutinous rice cakes) and ‘banh chung’ (square sticky rice cakes). The program, which runs until Tuesday, offers a unique glimpse into Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage.

Guests were treated to a culinary journey, indulging in traditional delicacies like ‘cu kieu’ (pickled leeks), ‘cha lua’ (Vietnamese pork sausage), and ‘nem ran’ (crispy spring rolls). The event also showcased the talents of local calligraphers, with children enthusiastically joining in the ‘mua sap’ (Cheraw dance), adding a touch of cultural vibrancy to the festivities.

A glimpse of the traditional Tet celebration in Cam Le District, Da Nang City, with a vibrant festive setup. Photo: Thanh Thuy

Shaen, an American tourist, couldn’t contain her excitement as she described her first-time experience of Vietnam’s Tet celebrations. “The energy here is infectious,” she exclaimed. “From baking traditional cakes to trying out new games, I feel like I’m discovering a whole new world. It’s a wonderful way to connect with the local culture and people.”

The warmth of the local community left a lasting impression on Shaen, who was eagerly invited to sample an array of traditional Tet dishes. “Their friendliness and hospitality made me feel right at home,” she added.

A young girl strikes a pose at a Tet-themed corner in Da Nang City, capturing the festive spirit. Photo: Thanh Thuy

Meanwhile, on Thang Long Street in Cam Le District, time seemed to fold in on itself during the ‘Tet Viet – Xuan At Ty 2025’ program, held from Friday to Sunday last week. The street corner, adorned with intricate models of old houses and temples, transported locals and tourists back to the nostalgic charm of traditional Tet celebrations.

The event showcased the unique customs of Vietnam’s Tet, including the folk gambling game and music known as ‘bai choi’, captivating lotto shows, and a plethora of folk games. Traditional Tet dishes were also showcased and offered to visitors, providing a delicious journey through Vietnam’s culinary heritage.

A tourist tries their hand at making ‘banh in’ (snow-flaked cakes), a delicate Tet treat. Photo: Thanh Thuy

Ngo Thi My Anh, a 39-year-old local resident of Cam Le District, took a stroll down memory lane with her daughter as they explored the event. “It brought back so many fond memories,” Anh shared. “The decorations were stunning and reminiscent of Tets from my childhood. My daughter and I couldn’t resist taking photos to capture the magic of the moment.”

‘Mua sap’ (Cheraw dance) captivates locals and tourists alike, becoming a highlight of the festivities. Photo: Thanh Thuy

A mouthwatering spread of traditional Vietnamese Tet dishes, a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Photo: Thanh Thuy 

Young enthusiasts eagerly await their turn to receive calligraphic masterpieces. Photo: Thanh Thuy
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