Hanoi (VNA) – For diplomats serving in Vietnam, the Lunar New Year (Tet) is far more than a holiday. It is the most sacred and meaningful moment of the year for the Vietnamese people - a gateway into a vibrant world of traditions, where culture is not only observed but deeply felt.
Arriving in Vietnam on diplomatic missions, ambassadors carry with them a shared purpose: to build lasting bridges between their home countries and this S-shaped land. Despite geographical distances and cultural differences, Vietnam’s openness, warmth, and hospitality help them gradually find a sense of belonging, like a new melody slowly becoming familiar.
For many ambassadors and international friends, Tet offers a unique opportunity to experience the essence of Vietnamese culture: the warmth of family reunions, the joy of festive streets, and the beauty of traditions reflected in every greeting, every dish, and every custom.
A season of new beginnings
For Joanna Skoczek, Head of Mission from the Polish Embassy in Vietnam, Tet is a much-anticipated occasion to immerse herself in the country’s rich traditions.
She noted similarities between Tet in Vietnam and Christmas traditions in Poland. Both are centred on family reunions and meaningful meals. In Poland, Christmas Eve dinner is the most important part of the celebration, featuring symbolic dishes and festive decorations, including Christmas trees adorned with ornaments and lights.
Although customs differ, New Year celebrations in Poland, Vietnam, or anywhere in the world share the same essence - being with loved ones and embracing a fresh start, she said.
The Polish diplomat also expressed admiration for Vietnam’s ability to harmonise tradition with modernity. She was particularly impressed by the elegance of Vietnamese women in ‘ao dai’ (traditional long dress), which she described as a symbol of grace, confidence, and cultural pride. Having collected five ‘ao dai’, she wears them regularly and considers them a perfect blend of beauty and comfort.
Beyond official duties, Skoczek enjoys exploring local markets, discovering traditional foods, and attending cultural events, especially during spring, when festivals and artistic activities flourish.
Tet as a time for reunion
For Tshering W. Sherpa, Ambassador of India to Vietnam, Tet is a meaningful celebration despite it being his first experience of the holiday in the country.
India and Vietnam both have rich traditions of festivals, and share a deep respect for cultural values and heritage. Festivals are a time to reunite with family and reconnect with friends, he said.
Sherpa highlighted the importance of people-to-people exchanges as a cornerstone of bilateral relations, emphasising that cultural affinity and shared values have created a strong bond between the two nations.
He also noted the growing interest of Vietnamese people in Indian culture, particularly through activities organised by the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre in Hanoi, including yoga, dance, music, and language classes.
During the Tet holiday, the ambassador plans to visit local temples with his family to express gratitude and pray for blessings in the new year. He extended warm New Year wishes to the Vietnamese people, expressing confidence that India–Vietnam ties will continue to flourish.
Diplomats are excited for Vietnamese Lunar New Year
For New Zealand’s Ambassador to Vietnam Caroline Beresford, this year marks her second Tet in the country. She fondly recalled her previous experience exploring Hanoi’s streets, visiting historic sites, and enjoying local cuisine.
Beresford noted similarities with New Zealand’s own holiday traditions, where families gather, share meals, and relax together to welcome the new year. Food plays a central role, often bringing people closer through shared cooking and celebration.
The ambassador is excited to spend the upcoming Tet holiday with a close friend visiting Vietnam. Together, they plan to experience the festive atmosphere and celebrate the New Year on the island of Phu Quoc in An Giang province.
With warmth and optimism, she sent her New Year greetings to the Vietnamese people, praising the country’s achievements and expressing confidence in its continued success in the year ahead./.
