People in Ho Chi Minh City on January 26 offered incense and Banh Tet (traditional sticky rice cake) to the Hung Kings - who are believed to be the founders of the country - on the occasion of the upcoming Lunar New Year (Tet).

This year, the cakes were chosen from the most beautiful and delicious made in a contest held on January 24.

While Banh Chung (square sticky rice cake) is popular in the northern region during Tet, Banh Tet is a typical specialty of the southern localities.

The same day, municipal leaders and many delegations from various local agencies also paid tribute to late President Ho Chi Minh and heroic martyrs at the Ho Chi Minh museum and cemeteries across the city.

As part of the activities to welcome Tet, a Spring Flower Festival opened in the city on January 25, displaying more than 6,000 arrangements by over 700 artisans from various localities such as Dak Lak, An Giang, Can Tho and Da Lat.

A photo exhibition was also held to introduce the socio-economic achievements of the city, besides many diverse traditional games and art performances.

Themed “My beloved city”, the festival is underway in Tao Dan park in District 1 until February 2.-VNA