Foreign ambassadors, along with representatives of diplomatic missions and international organisations, will gather in Duong Lam ancient village in Ha Noi's outlying district of Son Tay from January 20 to January 21 as they enjoy a traditional Lunar New Year or Tet, the most important and biggest festival in Vietnam.
Foreign diplomats and tourists will explore Vietnamese Tet at Duong Lam village. (Photo: VNA)
Participants will start their journey from a traditional Tet market at the Mong Phu communal house. Here, several unique features of Tet celebrations will be introduced to guests, including the art of calligraphy writing, folk performances, a cooking demonstration of Banh Chung or square sticky rice cake, and To he or toy figurines that are made of rice dough workshop, among others.
Furthermore, various typical local dishes, as well as handicraft and folk art products, will be put on display at the stalls.
International guests will also have the chance to experience Tet customs 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.
Moreover, foreign diplomats will visit the lacquer workshop of artist Nguyen Tan Phat and participate in Vietnamese folk games such as duck hunting, cockfighting, and fish catching.
This marks the third year that the event will be held at Duong Lam village, with the ultimate aim of promoting Vietnamese culture to international friends.