Hanoi-based ambassadors and representatives of diplomatic missions and international organizations experienced the Vietnamese traditional Lunar New Year festival in the ancient village of Duong Lam in Hanoi on January 14 and 15.

Participants in the program "Tet Holiday in Vietnamese Village 2023" were so impressed with the authentic atmosphere of the Vietnamese Tet, which was re-enacted at Duong Lam Ancient Village in Hanoi's outskirts. Photo: VNA

The program entitled "Tet Holiday in Vietnamese Village 2023" was jointly organized by the Hanoi Investment, Trade and Tourism Promotion Center, the Son Tay City People's Committee, and relevant departments.

As part of the program, guests visited a traditional Tet market re-enacted at Mong Phu Communal House.

At the venue, some unique features of Vietnamese New Year in Duong Lam Ancient Village are introduced to guests, including the art of calligraphy writing, folk performances, a cooking demonstration of Banh Chung or square sticky rice cake, To he (toy figurines that are made of rice dough) workshop, the art of pruning daffodils, among others.

In addition, various typical local dishes, as well as handicraft and folk art products, were on display at the stalls.

A foreign visitor is eager to learn how to make Banh Chung or squared sticky rice cake in the program. Photo: VNA

Guests were also introduced to many customs and traditions practiced during the Tet, such as visiting a person's house on the first day of the new year, ancestor worship, exchanging New Year greetings, and giving lucky money to children and the elderly, among others.

They tasted traditional Vietnamese dishes on the Tet holiday and enjoyed tea along with sweets such as Banh Che lam or Vietnamese sticky rice sticks with ginger and peanuts and Keo lac or peanut candies.

The foreign diplomats visited the lacquer workshop of artist Nguyen Tan Phat and participated in Vietnamese folk games such as duck hunting, cockfighting, and fish catching. 

According to the Hanoi Centre for Investment, Trade and Tourism Promotion, the “Tet Holiday in Vietnamese Village 2023” aims to introduce the traditional cultural values of Vietnam and the beauty of Duong Lam - a popular tourist attraction- to international friends.

The two-day event is also part of the city's efforts to speed up tourism recovery after the Covid-19 pandemic.